Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has issued an executive order immediately suspending all mining activities in the state.
He stated that the decision aims to safeguard mining sites while a newly inaugurated technical committee verifies the identities of those legally licensed to operate in the sector.
“Illegal mining activities and the security threats associated with them have been on the rise across several local government areas in Plateau State. Additionally, the increasing influx of foreigners into mining regions has exacerbated insecurity, leading to crimes such as rape, banditry, illegal arms possession, drug-related offenses, and kidnapping,” the governor noted.
He further emphasized that the state government will collaborate with the federal authorities to establish appropriate standards and a monitoring framework involving state and local governments, host communities, and mineral rights holders.
A comprehensive security review will also be conducted across all mining areas, ensuring that mineral rights holders contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of host communities through well-defined agreements.
The executive order comes into effect on February 21, 2025.
