Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, Seyi Makinde, has called for greater control of the mining sector by state governments.
Makinde made the proposal on Tuesday at the Makinde/Daura 2027 Presidential Town Hall meeting in Katsina, against the backdrop of the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State. An independent investigation into the deaths is ongoing.
The governor argued that mining should no longer be handled exclusively by the Federal Government, proposing that states take greater responsibility while the Federal Government retains an oversight role.
He said, “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 also linked the deaths in Niger State to broader concerns about Nigeria’s security architecture and the enforcement of mining regulations.
He said, “A few days ago, we all woke up to learn about the 37 young souls who were lost in Niger State. 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.”
The governor said his proposed administration would seek to review the responsibilities assigned to different levels of government to ensure that decisions affecting citizens were handled more effectively.
Makinde also pledged to adhere to constitutional provisions requiring the President to transmit power to the Vice President when temporarily unable to perform the functions of office.
He said, “I promise you that, as your President, I will follow the Constitution to the letter. If I am not going to be available, if I am on vacation, I will transmit power to the Vice President. Record this and hold me accountable.”
He urged Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, saying his proposed “Reset Agenda” would focus on addressing challenges affecting citizens across ethnic, religious and regional lines.
Speaking at the event, APM Vice Presidential Candidate, Lawal Daura, said the town hall was aimed at demonstrating support for Makinde and outlining the party’s plans ahead of the 2027 election.
APM National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, said the party would prioritise security and stability, while encouraging Nigerians to make informed choices during the election.
