Banditry: Northern govs urge Tinubu to suspend mining for 6 months

Northern governors have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order a six-month suspension of all mining activities across the region, citing illegal mining as a “major contributory factor” to the insecurity affecting many northern states.

They made the call in a communiqué signed by the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, following a joint meeting of the forum and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council held on Monday at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna.

The communiqué said, “The Forum observed that illegal mining has become a major contributory factor to the security crises in Northern Nigeria.

“Therefore, the Forum resolved to strongly recommend to the President to direct the Minister of Solid Minerals to suspend mining exploration for a period of six months to allow for a proper audit.

“Subject all mining licences to revalidation for a period of six months in active consultation with the various state governors, and in the process address the menace of artisanal illegal mining.”

The Forum further extended its deepest condolences and solidarity to the governments and people of Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa, and Kano States following the recent killings and abductions of school children and other innocent citizens, as well as to the victims of Boko Haram attacks in Borno and Yobe States.

The Forum commended the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the prompt release of some abducted children and for addressing other security challenges.

The Forum also reaffirmed its support and commitment to the establishment of State Police, encouraging national and state assembly members in the region to expedite action for its actualisation.

Listen to critics, Sultan tells northern govs

Earlier at the meeting, the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, His Eminence Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar II, urged governors of the 19 Northern states to listen attentively to their critics and use constructive feedback to strengthen governance across the region.

He warned that dismissing criticism could slow efforts to tackle the region’s pressing challenges, including insecurity, poverty, and economic hardship.

The Sultan said no leader seeking the people’s mandate would deliberately turn away from citizens after assuming office.

The Sultan lamented that governors are often unfairly accused of inaction despite the immense pressures they face.

He urged the governors to “listen to critics, listen to criticisms, listen to critiques, and make amendments whenever these arise,” stressing that genuine feedback can guide better decision-making.

While expressing confidence in the governors, the Sultan reminded them of the need for unity and intensified collaboration.

The Sultan also called for more frequent engagement between governors and traditional rulers across the geopolitical zones, proposing structured meetings to harmonise decisions affecting the North.

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