By Afrilens News
The Kwara State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture has called for the removal of mining from Nigeria’s Exclusive Legislative List, arguing that decentralising control of solid minerals would strengthen security, boost revenue generation, and give states greater responsibility over resources within their territories.
Speaking in Ilorin, the chamber’s president, Abu Salami, said allowing states to control mining activities would enable local authorities to better secure mining communities and respond swiftly to threats. According to him, the current centralised structure has contributed to rising insecurity in resource-rich areas, particularly in rural communities where oversight is weak.
“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,” Salami said.
He linked the growing presence of armed groups in mining regions to inadequate local control, warning that states like Kwara State must act proactively to avoid the violent conflicts already witnessed in other parts of the country due to illegal mining activities.
The chamber also advocated the establishment of a specialised security framework dedicated to mining zones, noting that most mining operations take place in remote locations where conventional policing structures are limited or ineffective.
The proposal adds to ongoing national debates over restructuring and resource control in Nigeria. Currently, mining falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal government, meaning only Abuja can regulate and benefit directly from the sector. Proponents of decentralisation argue that states are better positioned to manage local resources, improve internally generated revenue (IGR), and curb illegal activities through closer monitoring.
However, critics warn that removing mining from the Exclusive List could create regulatory inconsistencies across states, trigger jurisdictional disputes, and complicate investment frameworks in the sector. There are also concerns about whether all states have the institutional capacity to effectively manage mining operations and enforce environmental and safety standards.
If adopted, the proposal could significantly reshape Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, potentially increasing state revenues and enhancing grassroots security, while also raising fresh questions about governance, equity, and federal-state relations in the management of natural resources.
