Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the Governor of Gombe State and chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, led a meeting in Kaduna on December 1, 2025. Governors and traditional rulers gathered to address escalating insecurity. They linked banditry to illegal mining activities.
Northern Leaders Demand Action
The forum resolved to suspend all mining for six months. Participants argued that illegal operations funded criminal groups. Moreover they urged Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President, to direct the minister of solid minerals to halt explorations and audit licenses. In addition, they backed state police and approved a N1 billion monthly security trust fund.
Uba Sani, the Governor of Kaduna State, hosted the event. He called for unity and bold reforms. “We must confront security challenges with sincerity,” Sani stated. Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, supported the drive.
“We need to tell ourselves the truth,” he said.Yahaya warned of poverty and insecurity threatening the region’s future. He paid tribute to Tinubu’s security efforts.
Federal Government Rejects Proposal
However the Federal Government rejected a blanket suspension. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, announced the decision on February 9, 2026.
“There can’t be a blanket suspension of mining activities across the North because it will have far more adverse economic implications,” Alake stated through Segun Tomori, his special assistant on media..
Some states acted independently. Bauchi suspended mining in Alkaleri due to insecurity, which improved conditions. Jigawa awaited federal response. The decision balanced security with economic diversification through minerals.
