The Plateau State Government has urged miners to remain patient as it works to address the security and regulatory challenges that led to the recent suspension of mining activities in the state.
Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Ramnap (MNI), made this appeal during a radio program on Jay FM 101.9 in Jos. She emphasized that the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang is committed to revitalizing the mining sector while ensuring the safety of citizens and addressing illegal activities associated with the industry.
Ramnap explained that the suspension was necessary to curb illegal mining, mitigate land degradation, combat child labor, and tackle escalating security threats, including the influx of unregulated foreign miners linked to banditry, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and illegal firearms possession in mining communities.
“I appeal to miners in the state to give the government more time to enable its policies to produce the desired results of making life better for the citizens,” she said.
Governor Mutfwang had recently issued an executive order suspending all mining activities in the state over security concerns. The suspension, which took immediate effect, will remain in place until further notice.
The governor also announced plans to conduct a comprehensive security review of all mining areas and implement a robust Community Development Agreement to ensure that mining activities contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic well-being of the state.
While acknowledging the impact of the suspension on local miners, Ramnap assured that the government’s intention was not to punish them but to formalize, regulate, and make mining more profitable and sustainable.
“No doubt, local miners will be affected because they rely on mining for their daily livelihood. However, the goal is to create a more structured and beneficial system,” she stated.
She recalled that Governor Mutfwang had earlier engaged with the Minister of Solid Minerals Development in Abuja to explore ways of improving the mining sector for the benefit of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
“It is true that mining is under the exclusive legislative list, but the Land Use Act empowers the governor as the chief custodian of land in trust for the people of Plateau State and future generations,” she noted.
The commissioner further highlighted the security concerns driving the government’s decision.
“Records show that about 80% of mining activities in Plateau are illegal. But beyond the illegality, we are dealing with serious security threats. We have cases of child labor, school dropouts, drug peddling, environmental degradation, and other challenges that require urgent intervention.”
She assured miners and stakeholders that the government had assembled a technical team to examine these issues and implement necessary reforms.
“It is just a matter of time. Once these concerns are addressed, mining can resume under a safer and more organized framework,” she added.
Ramnap reiterated that Governor Mutfwang remains committed to enhancing security and improving critical sectors in Plateau State.
“The governor has continued to prioritize security and invest significantly in the state’s security architecture, making Plateau one of the safest places to live and do business in Nigeria,” she said.
She called on citizens to support the administration’s policies, stressing that their cooperation was crucial for the success of ongoing reforms.
“I urge the people of Plateau to stand by Governor Mutfwang as he works tirelessly to deliver the dividends of democracy,” she concluded.
