The Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) has dismissed calls by the Congress of Northern Governors and Elders to suspend mining activities across Northern Nigeria, arguing that such a move will not address the region’s deepening insecurity.
The group said legitimate miners should not be scapegoated for problems created by criminal elements.
In a statement jointly signed by its National President, Dele Ayanleke, and National Secretary, Sulaiman Liman, MAN maintained that licensed miners operate within the law and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economy.
The association stressed that genuine operators are not responsible for the security breaches linked to illegal mining networks.
MAN warned that a blanket suspension of mining would trigger severe economic consequences, including job losses and reduced government revenue.
Such a shutdown, it said, could also push more youths into illegal activities, thereby worsening insecurity rather than solving it.
While acknowledging the gravity of the security challenges in the North, the association insisted that halting mining activities is not a realistic or effective solution.
It argued that criminals would continue their operations regardless of any official ban, creating an even more chaotic environment.
MAN therefore urged northern governors to prioritise strengthening security architecture around mining corridors.
It recommended improved surveillance, coordinated intelligence, and community-driven security partnerships as more sustainable measures to curb criminal infiltration without crippling legitimate mining operations.