Mining is one of the oldest economic activities in Nigeria. However, the sector have been plagued with lack of regulation, hazardous health impact, illegal mining, lack of globally accepted equipment and very recently insecurity associated to mining activities.

As a result of banditry and other insecurity challenge associated with the mining sector, some governors have put an end to mining activities in their state. In Borno state for instance, the government prohibited all forms of mining activities.

Sadly, this move by some governors may lead to an extinction of mining activities, not at this time when Nigeria is grappling with economic downturn.

To prevent this, The federal government has resolved to working in synergy with the Governors Forum on grey areas in mine administration in the country.

This was the resolution when Governors of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Oyo state, Seyi Makinde and Niger State, Umar Bago visited the Minister of the Solid Minerals Development, Dr Oladele Alake in Abuja.

The Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Mohammed Bago while referring to some states banning mining said the Federal and state government have resolved to work together in removing obstacles challenging optimum productivity in the sector.

”A Chinese company was given license to mine Zuma rock, a national monument: can any company in Nigeria or anywhere in the world go and mine the wall of China? It is not possible. So this is our monument” He stated.

He also said the collaboration will address issues bothering on cadastral licenses for mutually gains.

Responding, Dr Alake said the Ministry was committed to continuously sanitize the mining operations in all its ramifications and ensure adequate security with the active collaboration of the states.