Miners’ deaths: States will do better if given control of mining – Makinde

Seyi Makinde, the presidential hopeful from the Allied Peoples Movement and governor of Oyo State, has advocated for the transfer of mining responsibilities to state governments in Nigeria. Makinde argued that states would perform better if given greater control over the sector during a recent town hall meeting in Katsina. The call came in the wake of the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners under the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.

The Federal Government has formed an independent committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding their deaths. Makinde suggested that while the federal government should maintain oversight, states should have more autonomy in managing mining operations. He emphasized that people should not be held responsible for their unfortunate circumstances, such as being born in Nigeria or seeking to survive.

Makinde proposed that the issue of mining, currently on the Exclusive Legislative List of the Constitution, should be devolved to states with federal oversight. His 2027 campaign seeks to focus on problem-solving and building a country that works for all citizens, regardless of their background.