Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has issued a fervent call for an executive order from either the Presidency or the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to impose a ban on mining activities in specific, problematic locations across the state. This plea follows closely on the heels of a tragic incident where 37 suspected illegal miners died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Governor Cites Enforcement Challenges and State Limitations
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, Governor Bago highlighted the significant challenges his administration faces in enforcing mining regulations. He stressed that a stronger intervention from the Federal Government is crucial due to the inherent limitations of state authority in these matters.
Addressing concerns about the presence of minors at mining sites, the governor admitted to being in a difficult position. “I am in between the devil and the Red Sea because, as a governor, yes, it’s in my state. As a governor, I cannot just go and order the police or military to start shooting people or arresting people. As a governor, I can only make advocacy,” Bago stated. He emphasized that an executive order is necessary to provide the legal backing for decisive action against persistent illegal mining, particularly in areas identified as hotspots for illicit operations.
Grave Impact on Child Education
Governor Bago underscored the severe societal ramifications of illegal mining, particularly its devastating impact on child education in Niger State. He cited a UNICEF report projecting a dire future, stating, “by 2027 there will not be a single child in Grade 7, that is JSS1, because all of them are into artisanal mining, and all of them have left the classroom and they are not in schools.” This alarming trend, he noted, poses a significant problem for the state’s future.
Investigation Underway After Fatal Incident
Regarding the recent deaths, Governor Bago expressed concern over the limits of his authority, particularly concerning federal security agencies and detention facilities. “I am just chief security of the state by mouth,” he lamented, adding that he could not take responsibility for matters beyond his control. He confirmed that the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police are investigating the incident, acknowledging the state government’s limited oversight of detention centers.
Describing the grim scene, Bago recounted seeing “a lot of corpses on the floor,” and controversially noted that some of the victims were not miners. He further revealed that the location where the suspected miners were apprehended was not a licensed mining site but rather a designated housing estate. The governor’s comments coincided with the NSCDC parading its suspended Niger State Commandant, Commandant Suberu Aniviye, and other officers linked to the deaths, signaling an ongoing internal probe into the tragedy.
Call for Decisive Federal Action
The governor’s resolute call for an executive order underscores the urgent need for a unified federal approach to curb the menace of illegal mining. He believes that such an order would empower authorities to enforce stringent bans, protect vulnerable communities, and safeguard the future of children being lured away from education into dangerous artisanal mining operations.