The Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) has kicked against the Northern Governors’ proposal for a six-month suspension of mining activities, warning that the measure would worsen insecurity and undermine legitimate operators in the sector.

In a statement, MAN President, Dele Ayankale, argued that only illegal mining is linked to terrorism, stressing that a blanket ban on all mining activities would cripple lawful businesses, heighten unemployment and create more space for unlicensed operators to thrive.

Ayankale recalled the 2019 mining ban in Zamfara State, noting that insecurity persisted and even intensified despite the suspension of operations evidence, he said, that such measures fail to address the root causes of criminal activity.

He further warned that halting mining would derail the Federal Government’s efforts to attract new investments into the solid minerals industry.

According to him, the governors’ suggestion to revalidate mining licences also contradicts the Constitution, which vests control of mineral resources exclusively in the Federal Government.

Ayankale urged the governors to channel security funding toward strengthening the Mining Marshals and enhancing enforcement against illegal mining rather than targeting licensed operators who comply with regulations.