The Kwara State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KWACCIMA) has called for the removal of mining from the Exclusive Legislative List to enable states to assume greater control over their solid mineral resources. The chamber argues that such a move would improve security and enhance Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Decentralization for Better Security
President of the chamber, Abu Salami, stated in Ilorin that decentralizing control of mineral resources would allow state governments to directly oversee security in mining communities. He emphasized that local authorities are better positioned to monitor activities and respond swiftly to threats.
Salami linked the growing insecurity in mining areas to weak local oversight and the influx of armed groups into resource-rich locations, particularly in rural communities. He noted, "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."
Proactive Measures for Kwara
The chamber warned that Kwara must act proactively to avoid the experiences of states already facing violent conflicts tied to illegal mining. It also advocated for the creation of a specialized security framework dedicated to mining zones, stressing that most mining activities occur in isolated areas where conventional policing is limited.
