KWACCIMA Seeks Removal of Mining from Exclusive List

The Kwara State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KWACCIMA) has called for the removal of mining from Nigeria’s Exclusive Legislative List, arguing that such a move would allow states to exercise better control over solid minerals, improve security, and boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

President of the chamber, Abu Salami, made the appeal while speaking with journalists in Ilorin, stressing that decentralising the control of mineral resources would enable state governments to take direct responsibility for the management and protection of mining communities.

According to him, local authorities are in a better position to monitor mining activities, respond swiftly to threats, and ensure stronger regulation of operations within their territories.

Salami linked the increasing insecurity in mining areas to weak local oversight and the growing presence of armed groups in resource-rich rural communities.

He said the current arrangement, where mining remains under the control of the Federal Government through the Exclusive Legislative List, limits the ability of states to effectively tackle illegal mining and related security challenges.

“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 State must take proactive steps to avoid the experiences of other states already battling violent conflicts associated with illegal mining activities.

KWACCIMA also advocated the establishment of a specialised security framework dedicated to mining zones, noting that most mining operations are located in remote and isolated areas where conventional policing is often inadequate.

The chamber maintained that empowering states with greater authority over mineral resources would not only strengthen security but also create more economic opportunities and improve revenue generation for sustainable development.