Nathaniel Gbaoron

In Plateau, illegal mining has become one of the most pressing issues
facing the state and threatening not only the state’s environment but
its very security. What was once seen as a booming industry has
spiraled into a major crisis, with far-reaching consequences that
impact both the social and economic fabric of the state.

Illegal mining activities, often uncontrolled and unregulated, have
triggered an increase in criminal activities, environmental
degradation, and tensions within local communities.

Plateau State, located in the heart of Nigeria, has been experiencing
a dramatic rise in illegal mining operations, particularly in the
rural parts of the state.

Valuable minerals are being extracted illegally by miners who are
often not licensed or equipped to carry out such activities. These
miners, driven by the need for survival, operate without regard for
the law, local communities, or the environment.

Governor Caleb Mannaseh Mutfwang of Plateau recognising the growing
dangers of illegal mining, took decisive action recently by signing
Executive Order 001, which prohibits all forms of mining in Plateau
State. In his statement, the governor cited increasing insecurity as
one of the major reasons behind the order. He said the decision was
born out of a growing concern for the safety of residents and the
protection of the state’s resources.

The governor stated that the suspension was necessary to curb illegal
mining, mitigate land degradation, combat child labour, and address
escalating security threats, including the influx of unregulated
foreign miners, which has fueled banditry, kidnapping, drug
trafficking, and illegal firearms possession in mining communities.

“As the Chief Security Officer of the State, it is my duty to ensure
the safety of our people. Given the rising security concerns
associated with illegal mining, we must take decisive action. All
mining operations are hereby suspended until further notice. This
measure is aimed at restoring order and ensuring that Plateau’s
resources are harnessed for the benefit of its people,” Governor
Mutfwang declared.

“To ensure a structured and sustainable approach to mining in the
state, the government will collaborate with the Federal Government,
local authorities, host communities, and mineral rights holders to
establish a monitoring framework and enforce Community Development
Agreements (CDA) that guarantee socio-economic benefits for host
communities”.

Governor Mutfwang emphasized: “This suspension is a crucial step
towards securing our communities from the threats posed by unregulated
mining activities. It is not intended to target individuals or hinder
economic progress but rather to ensure that mining is conducted in a
responsible and sustainable manner.”

To oversee the implementation of mining reforms, the Governor
inaugurated a Technical Committee on Mining Reform, chaired by the
Commissioner for Justice, Philemon Dafi.

The committee is tasked with:

Verifying mining licenses to ensure compliance with regulations,
Gathering data on mining sites for better resource management.
Regulating illegal mining operations to curb environmental and
security concerns and recommending designated mining areas to prevent
encroachment on residential lands.

The governor explained that the Plateau State Government remains
committed to ensuring that mining activities contribute meaningfully
to the state’s economic growth while prioritizing security,
environmental protection, and community development.

Jacob Gyang Buba, the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of Plateau State
Council of Chiefs and Emirs who was present during the signing thanked
Governor Mutfwang for taken the decision and assured him of the
unwavering support of the traditional rulers towards implementing the
Executive Order to safeguard the people and the future of Plateau
state.

Read also: Plateau monarch urges government action on illegal mining
in North Central

Plateau technical committee steps up enforcement of mining suspension

Plateau State Technical Committee on Mining Reform said it has ramped
up efforts to enforce the suspension of illegal mining activities
across the state, following the signing of Executive Order 001, 2025,
by Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.

In a press conference in Jos, Peter Gwom, commissioner for
Environment, Climate Change and Mining, who read the speech on behalf
of the Technical Committee, which is headed by the State Commissioner
for Justice and Attorney General, highlighted its commitment to a
comprehensive enforcement campaign.

Gwom said the committee was tasked with ensuring that mining
activities in Plateau align with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act,
2007, and the Mining Regulations 2011.

He explained that the committee’s immediate focus is the verification
of Community Development Agreements (CDAs), mining title holders, and
cooperatives. This he said is part of an ongoing effort to formalise
artisanal mining and eliminate illegal mining activities that have
caused extensive environmental degradation and exploitation of local
communities.

“The governor inaugurated this Technical Committee, composed of
individuals of impeccable integrity from diverse
backgrounds(Representatives of state Ministries, Departments,
Agencies, Federal Mining Regulatory Agencies, Miners Association,
Traditional Rulers, Local Government Chairmen and Security Agencies)
to be chaired by the State Commissioner of Justice/Attorney General,
with the mandate to engage all stakeholders in the mining sector and
develop a framework for ensuring that mining activities in the state
align with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 and Mining
Regulations 2011.

This committee is tasked with the following critical responsibilities:
One. Verification of Community Development Agreements (CDAs). Two.
Verification of title holders and mining cooperatives. Three. Mining
Communities Engagement and Sensitization. Four. Advocacy on the need
for Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (ASM’s) to be formalised into
mining cooperatives. Five. Generation of data on mining sites,
minerals been mined and buying/processing centres. Six. Documentation
of degraded lands as a result of illegal mining activities for future
reclamation efforts. Our goal is to establish a win-win system where
mining activities benefit the Federal Government, the State
Government, and the local communities, ensuring that host communities
are not exploited but rather empowered through a sustainable and legal
mining framework,” Gwom said.

He urged local government chairmen, traditional institutions, and
licensed miners to support the temporary suspension of mining
activities in their areas.

He called on artisanal miners to join formal cooperatives to increase
their economic gains and ensure that mining operations are conducted
in a legal, safe, and environmentally friendly manner. The initiative
according to him aims to protect the future of the state’s youth, who
are most vulnerable to the dangers of illegal mining.