Niger State Governor Umaru Bago is seeking an executive order from the Presidency or the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to ban mining activities in locations identified as problematic across the state.
Bago said stronger intervention from the Federal Government is needed to address illegal mining, which he described as a major challenge in Niger State.
Naija News reports that the governor made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Key Takeaways
- Governor Umaru Bago wants federal authorities to issue an executive order banning mining in problematic locations across Niger State.
- Bago said illegal mining has become a major challenge in the state.
- The governor said the state has limited capacity to enforce mining regulations.
- His comments followed the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody.
- Bago said children are increasingly being drawn into mining instead of remaining in school.
- He called for decisive action from the Presidency or the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
Why Governor Bago Wants Federal Intervention
Bago said his administration needs stronger intervention from the Federal Government because of the limitations facing the state in enforcing mining regulations.
According to the governor, illegal mining has become increasingly difficult to address, particularly in areas where mining activities have become established.
He said he wants the Presidency or the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to issue an executive order banning mining in locations where the activities have been identified as problematic.
Bago argued that such a directive would provide a basis for enforcement in the affected areas.
What Happened To The 37 Suspected Miners?
The governor’s comments came after the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who were in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The incident provides the immediate context for Bago’s renewed call for stronger action against illegal mining in the state.
However, the supplied statement does not provide further details about the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Bago’s Position On Enforcement
Explaining the difficulty facing his administration, Bago said the state government could not simply direct the police or military to take enforcement action against people involved in mining.
He said his role as governor, in his view, was limited to advocacy in circumstances where stronger federal intervention was required.
“We need decisive action. We need an executive order from the Presidency or from the Ministry of Mineral Resources to ban mining in certain locations where we have seen they are problematic. Once that is done, it can be enforced.”
Bago said people involved in mining had become reluctant to leave the activity because of the money associated with it.
Mining And The Education Of Children
The governor also raised concerns about the involvement of children in artisanal mining.
According to Bago, children are increasingly being drawn into mining activities at the expense of their education.
He said gold mining in Niger State had become habitual and referred to a UNICEF report while discussing the possible impact on children and schooling.
Bago said:
“We know that gold mining in Niger State has become habitual.”
He further claimed that the situation was resulting in children leaving classrooms and becoming involved in artisanal mining.
The claim about the UNICEF report was made by Bago during the interview; the supplied article does not provide the report itself for independent verification.
The Governance Challenge Behind The Request
Bago’s comments point to an enforcement challenge involving the state government’s ability to address mining activities that he says have become problematic.
His proposed solution is for the Federal Government to take a stronger role through an executive order or directive from the relevant federal authorities.
The governor’s position is that once such an order is issued, it can be enforced in locations where mining activities have been identified as problematic.
The supplied article does not establish that the Presidency or the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has approved the requested ban.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Governor Bago seeking an executive order?
Bago says the state needs stronger federal intervention to address illegal mining and that his administration has limited capacity to enforce mining regulations.
What does Bago want the executive order to do?
He wants mining activities banned in locations across Niger State that have been identified as problematic.
What prompted Bago’s comments?
His remarks followed the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while they were in NSCDC custody.
What did Bago say about the police and military?
Bago said that, as governor, he could not simply order the police or military to begin shooting or arresting people involved in the situation. He said his role was to advocate for action.
What did the governor say about children?
Bago said children were increasingly being drawn into mining at the expense of their education and described this as a major problem for the state.
Has the Presidency approved the requested mining ban?
The supplied article does not state that the Presidency has approved the request. Bago is seeking an executive order or intervention from the relevant federal authorities.
What Happens Next?
Governor Bago’s request now places the proposed mining ban before the federal authorities he identified, namely the Presidency or the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
The governor has called for an executive order covering locations he considers problematic, arguing that stronger federal intervention would make enforcement possible.
For now, the supplied report establishes Bago’s request and his reasons for making it, but does not indicate that a federal ban has already been issued or approved.
