Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has signed Executive Order 001 of 2025, placing an immediate suspension on all mining activities across the state.
The decision, he explained, is aimed at protecting the environment, addressing security threats, and ensuring the well-being of residents.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement held at the Twin Theater, New Government House, Jos, the governor gathered traditional rulers, community leaders, local government chairmen, and mining community representatives to discuss the rationale behind the directive.
According to Mutfwang, the suspension is a necessary intervention to curb illegal mining, mitigate land degradation, and combat growing security concerns, including child labohr, the infiltration of unregulated foreign miners, and the rise of criminal activities such as banditry, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and illegal firearms possession in mining areas.
“As the Chief Security Officer of the State, it is my duty to ensure the safety of our people,” the governor stated.
“Given the rising security concerns associated with illegal mining, we must take decisive action. All mining operations are hereby suspended until further notice.”
He emphasized that the measure is designed to restore order and ensure that the state’s mineral wealth benefits its people.
“To ensure a structured and sustainable approach to mining in the state, the government will collaborate with the Federal Government, local authorities, host communities, and mineral rights holders to establish a monitoring framework and enforce Community Development Agreements (CDA) that guarantee socio-economic benefits for host communities,” he added.
Mutfwang further clarified that, “This suspension is a crucial step towards securing our communities from the threats posed by unregulated mining activities.
“It is not intended to target individuals or hinder economic progress, but rather to ensure that mining is conducted in a responsible and sustainable manner.”
To facilitate these mining reforms, the governor inaugurated a Technical Committee on Mining Reform, led by the Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Philemon Dafi.
The committee has been tasked with:
Verifying mining licenses to ensure compliance with existing regulations.
Collecting data on mining sites to enhance resource management.
Regulating illegal mining to address environmental and security risks.
Proposing designated mining areas to prevent encroachment on residential lands.
Mutfwang reassured stakeholders that his administration remains committed to harnessing the state’s mining sector for economic growth while prioritizing security, environmental protection, and community development.
In response, the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, His Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba, commended the governor’s decision.
He pledged the full support of the state’s traditional rulers in enforcing the Executive Order to safeguard the people and the future of Plateau State.
