The Kwara State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KWACCIMA) has called for the removal of mining from Nigeria's Exclusive Legislative List, arguing that this would enhance security and increase states' Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Decentralisation for Better Control
Eng. Abu Salami, President of KWACCIMA, stated in Ilorin that decentralising control over mineral resources would enable state governments to take direct responsibility for securing mining communities. He noted that local authorities are better positioned to monitor activities and respond swiftly to threats. Salami linked the growing insecurity in mining areas to weak local oversight and the influx of armed groups into resource-rich locations, particularly in rural communities.
"The ultimate solution is to remove mining from the Exclusive List and allow states to control what is sourced from their environment. That way, security can be better managed at the local level," he said. He warned that Kwara must act proactively to avoid the violent conflicts tied to illegal mining that other states have experienced.
Specialised Security Framework Needed
The chamber also advocated for the creation of a specialised security framework dedicated to mining zones, stressing that most mining activities occur in isolated areas where conventional policing is limited. Acting Director-General Maigida identified insecurity, poor infrastructure, and limited access to finance as major challenges confronting businesses in the state.
"Farmers cannot go to their farms; transporters operate under fear; these challenges cut across sectors and require urgent intervention," he said. On institutional roles, Yahaya explained that the chamber's leadership structure is designed to strengthen coordination and enhance engagement with government, including its affiliation with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).
Involvement in Empowerment Programmes
Beyond policy advocacy, KWACCIMA urged the Kwara State Government to formally involve the chamber in its empowerment programmes for youths and women to ensure transparency and effectiveness. Salami said the chamber could help identify credible beneficiaries, ensuring that government interventions reach genuine entrepreneurs.
"We appreciate government's commitment to empowerment, but these opportunities must get to the right people. The chamber can serve as a credible channel to identify those who will utilise them effectively," he said.
Future Plans
The chamber also disclosed plans to strengthen collaboration with institutions such as the Ilorin Innovation Hub to support youth entrepreneurship, capacity building, and innovation. It reaffirmed its role as a private sector advocacy body representing commerce, industry, mines, and agriculture, with a focus on promoting trade, investment, and policies that improve the business climate in Kwara State.
