The Federal Mines Office (FMO) in Kogi State has denied any collaboration with the Kogi State government concerning the suspension of mining activities in the state.
The Federal Mines Officer in charge of Kogi State, Engr. B.F. Kuye, issued a statement on Monday clarifying the federal office’s stance. This follows an announcement last Thursday by the Kogi State government that all mining activities in the state had been suspended to establish accurate mining data and curb criminal activities.
According to the Kogi State government’s statement, “The state will work in accordance with the rules of the game and will collaborate with the Federal Mines Office and Security Agencies.” However, Engr. Kuye noted that the authority to suspend mining operations resides solely with the federal government, as outlined in the constitution.
“The statement credited to the state government, that it collaborated with the Federal Mines Office to suspend mining operations in the state, has painted our office in a bad light,” Kuye said. “Closing down mining companies in the state is tantamount to killing mining activities, with heavy implications for revenue generation. For the attention of our esteemed miners, the Federal Mines Office was never part of any decision to suspend mining operations in any guise.”
Kuye stressed that the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals and the State Ministry of Solid Minerals have distinct responsibilities under the law. She urged miners to continue their operations in line with the Nigeria Mineral and Mining Act 2007 and its Regulation 2011.
Addressing the state government, Kuye advised against involving the federal office in conflicts between the state and miners, urging the state to resolve any issues internally. “The Federal Mines Office is not saying the state should not tackle the issue of insecurity, but this should not be a reason to shut down mining activities in the state,” she said. “Any company found guilty of harboring thugs or unauthorized armed men should be reported to us, and we will ensure security agencies take appropriate action.”
She further called on the Kogi State government to respect constitutional boundaries to ensure the smooth functioning of mining activities in the region. The federal Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake, has repeatedly clarified to stakeholders that mining operations fall exclusively under federal jurisdiction.
Kuye emphasized this point, stating, “The state’s ban on mining activities is out of context. No state has the authority to interfere with mining operations. Mining, like oil and solid minerals, belongs to the legislative list, and only the federal government has the authority to make regulations and oversee the operations of these resources. For a state to unilaterally regulate mining activities is akin to a state attempting to ban oil exploration.”
