Zainab Abioye
Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, Seyi Makinde, has called for the removal of mining from Nigeria’s Exclusive Legislative List, arguing that states should be given greater control over mineral resources within their territories.
Makinde made the call on Tuesday at the APM North-West town hall meeting in Katsina, against the backdrop of the deaths of 37 alleged illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
The governor argued that the current constitutional arrangement, which places mines and minerals under federal legislative jurisdiction, should be reviewed to devolve greater responsibility to state governments while retaining federal oversight.
“Right now, the issue of mining is on the exclusive legislative list in our constitution. Devolve that responsibility to the states and let there be oversight only at the federal level. They will do better,” Makinde said.
Under Item 39 of the Exclusive Legislative List in Part I of the Second Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, mines and minerals, including oilfields, oil mining, geological surveys and natural gas, fall within the legislative jurisdiction of the Federal Government.
Makinde said the deaths of the miners raised broader questions about the treatment of Nigerians who turn to artisanal and illegal mining as a means of livelihood.
“Is it their fault that they were born in Nigeria? Is it their fault that they were looking for means of surviving? No, sir. The answer is no,” he said.
The governor argued that government’s response to illegal mining should not focus solely on miners operating outside the law, but should also address the demand for minerals that sustains the illicit trade.
“People may not want to take responsibility, but from what has been done so far and the actions that have been taken, we can see that we are focusing on the supply side of things.
“For every 10,000 illegal miners, you have perhaps another 10,000 on the demand side, legitimising the operation,” Makinde said.
He advocated a broader approach that would combine regulation, economic opportunities and stronger oversight of the mining sector.
Makinde also used the occasion to outline his economic agenda, saying Nigeria’s natural resources alone could not guarantee prosperity without investment in skills, knowledge and productive capacity.
“Yes, people will argue that Nigeria is rich in natural resources. But natural resources are not enough. You must have skills and knowledge, and you must have intensive production,” he said.
He added that Nigeria needed an economy capable of sustaining production beyond conventional working hours.
“Our economy must work 24/7. Otherwise, if our economy shuts down at 7 or 8 o’clock in the evening, we cannot compete with economies that are running 24/7,” the governor said.
The APM presidential candidate also criticised President Bola Tinubu over the issue of presidential power transmission during extended periods outside the country.
Makinde questioned why, according to his account, presidential powers were not formally transmitted to Vice-President Kashim Shettima during a period when the President was away from Nigeria for more than 21 days.
He cited Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, which provides for the President to transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives when proceeding on vacation or otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office.
“Anytime I have to travel out for more than 21 days, not for work but on vacation, I transmit power to the deputy governor. Why is this not happening at the national level?” he asked.
Makinde said the constitutional provision should apply where the President is unable to perform his functions, regardless of whether the absence is caused by vacation, medical treatment or another circumstance.
“If the President is unable, whether through sickness, a medical trip or incapacitation, to function, we are all human. Anything can happen to anybody at any time. If that happens, the president should also transmit power to the vice-president,” he said.
He added that, if elected President, he would transmit power to his Vice-President whenever he travelled on vacation.
Speaking at the event, the APM vice-presidential candidate, Lawal Daura, identified insecurity and poverty as major challenges confronting the country.
Daura said an APM administration would seek to address the challenges through reforms aimed at strengthening security, expanding economic opportunities and improving the living conditions of Nigerians.
The APM National Chairman, Yisuf Dantele, described Makinde as “young, active and pragmatic,” while highlighting his record in Oyo State as the basis for the party’s presidential campaign.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
