By Seyi Odewale, with agency report
Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has said that the menace of illegal mining continues to pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s economy, environment, and national security.
The Governor is calling for urgent and decisive government action to curb the activities of illegal miners, whom he described as criminals sabotaging the nation’s resources.
Fintiri emphasised that the unchecked operations of illegal miners result in environmental degradation, loss of government revenue, and increased insecurity, as these activities are often linked to criminal networks.
He insisted that a strong crackdown is necessary to restore order, protect the nation’s mineral wealth, and ensure that mining benefits all Nigerians rather than a select few engaging in illicit exploitation.
Speaking at the 2025 North-East African Mineral Summit and Exhibition in Yola, Fintiri—represented by the state Commissioner for Commerce, Trade, and Industry, Ishaya Dabari—reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for legitimate mining activities.
He stressed the importance of compliance with legal requirements, stating that all individuals interested in mining must obtain the necessary documentation and acquire the skills and expertise required for the sector.
“Everyone interested in the mining business must legalize their documents. You cannot just go to the mountains, rocks, or rivers, extract mineral resources, and disappear.
“The government will not tolerate or support such activities. Anyone found guilty will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.
Fintiri reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the standard of living for the people of Adamawa. He highlighted various support initiatives for small-scale industries through the Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency (PAWECA).
“Through PAWECA, we have empowered people with capacity-building programs and economic initiatives, which are part of our key policies,” the Governor added.
He called on government agencies, investors, and the private sector to collaborate in creating increased opportunities in agriculture and solid minerals.
The summit convener, Mr John Paka, a solid minerals and agricultural expert, emphasized that the event aims to stimulate greater engagement in the solid minerals and agricultural value chains.
He noted that the summit seeks to promote modern techniques among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and influence grassroots economic development policies across the North East, in particular, and Nigeria, in general.
Paka further attributed the decline in productivity among MSMEs in the region over the past 15 years to prolonged insurgency.
“For the past 15 years, grassroots productivity within the Northeast has suffered a tremendous decline in output and resource value due to insurgency.
“The consequences of this decline include a low standard of living, high poverty rates, minimal engagement in solid minerals, poor investment levels, and weak export activities,” he said.
Paka added that the summit would explore strategies to revitalise economic growth and enhance regional human capital development.
The event attracted top government dignitaries and experts from the agricultural and solid mineral industries across West Africa.
