By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Nov 8, 2026
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has declared that reliable artisanal miners in Enjema group, Ankpa Local Government Area, shouldn’t be criminalised for participating in lawful mining actions to earn a dwelling, urging related authorities to differentiate them from prison parts.
The governor made this place identified throughout an on-the-spot evaluation go to to mining websites in Enjema, the place he inspected the environmental degradation and infrastructural harm allegedly attributable to mining actions.
He disclosed that the state authorities had profiled a big quantity of artisanal miners, together with greater than 1,000 diploma holders, over 500 grasp’s diploma holders and greater than 300 people with out formal academic {qualifications}.
The governor stated, “They are not kidnappers. They are not armed robbers. They have chosen not to go the way of kidnapping. They have chosen to earn a living through their hands. Why should somebody come here, arrest them and tag them as illegal miners?”
He maintained that his administration wouldn’t permit reliable mining actions to be disrupted underneath the guise of tackling insecurity, including that the federal government remained dedicated to defending the lives and livelihoods of residents.
He expressed displeasure over the situation of roads and the absence of fundamental social facilities in Enjema regardless of the mineral sources being extracted from the world.
Ododo consequently directed the Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development to work with the management of the miners’ affiliation to acquire a complete record of licensed mining operators in the world for correct engagement.
He stated the federal government would dialogue with the operators and guarantee they fulfil their Corporate Social Responsibility obligations by rehabilitating broken roads and offering important amenities, together with faculties, potable water and electrical energy.
He additionally cautioned conventional rulers in opposition to granting consent to unlicensed mining operators, urging those that had issued such approvals with out following due course of to withdraw them.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Bashir Gegu, recommended the governor for personally visiting the group, describing the go to as a sign of the administration’s dedication to making sure that the state’s mineral wealth advantages its residents.
The commissioner defined that the state authorities had strengthened rules governing mining actions, notably the issuance of group consent letters and the implementation of Community Development Agreements.
He famous that such agreements ought to transcend token monetary empowerment to incorporate sustainable improvement tasks such nearly as good roads, potable water, electrical energy, high quality faculties and scholarships for members of host communities.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Kogi State Chapter, Yunusa Oruma, appreciated the governor for the go to and his administration’s assist for mining actions.
Oruma described Governor Ododo as a supporter of the mining sector and pledged the affiliation’s readiness to mobilise artisanal and different classes of miners in assist of the administration.
