The president of Kwara Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KWACCIMA), Engr. Abu Salami has advocated the removal of mining from the exclusive legislative list to allow state governments assume greater control over solid minerals in their states.
He said that the move would significantly improve security and boost internally generated revenue (IGR) of the states.
Abu made the call during an interview with LEADERSHIP in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Salami said decentralising control of mineral resources would enable state governments to take direct responsibility for securing mining communities, noting that local authorities are better positioned to monitor activities and respond swiftly to threats.
He linked the growing insecurity in mining areas to weak local oversight and the influx of armed groups into resource-rich locations, especially in remote communities.
“The ultimate solution is to remove mining from the Exclusive List and allow states to control what is sourced from their environment. That way, security can be better managed at the local level,” he said.
He warned that Kwara must act proactively to avoid the experiences of states already facing violent conflicts tied to illegal mining.
Salami also advocated the creation of a specialised security framework dedicated to mining zones, stressing that most mining activities occur in isolated areas where conventional policing is limited.
He urged the Kwara State government to formally involve the chamber in its empowerment programmes for youths and women to ensure transparency and effectiveness.
Salami said the chamber could help identify credible beneficiaries, ensuring that government interventions reach genuine entrepreneurs.
“We appreciate government’s commitment to empowerment, but these opportunities must get to the right people. The chamber can serve as a credible channel to identify those who will utilise them effectively,” he said.
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