Why Mutfwang Suspended Mining Activities On The Plateau

Jos – To address security challenges and curb the ongoing mass degradation of farmlands in Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has signed Executive Order 001 of 2025, suspending all mining activities across the State.

The governor announced the decision during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the New Government House, Jos, and had in attendance traditional rulers, community leaders, local government chairmen, and representatives from the mining communities on the plateau.

The Plateau governor explained that the suspension was necessary to curb illegal mining, mitigate land degradation, combat child labour, and address escalating security threats, including the influx of unregulated foreign miners, which has fueled banditry, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and illegal firearms possession in mining communities.

“As the Chief Security Officer of the State, I must ensure the safety of our people. Given the rising security concerns associated with illegal mining, we must take decisive action. All mining operations are hereby suspended until further notice. This measure is aimed at restoring order and ensuring that Plateau’s resources are harnessed for the benefit of its people,” Governor Mutfwang declared.

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.

Governor Mutfwang, a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere noted, “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 responsibly and sustainably.”

However, a Technical Committee on Mining Reform chaired by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Philemon Dafi was inaugurated to oversee the implementation of mining reforms.

The Committee is tasked with verifying mining licenses to ensure compliance with regulations, gathering data on mining sites for better resource management, regulating illegal mining operations to curb environmental and security concerns, and recommending designated mining areas to prevent encroachment on residential lands.

The Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, His Majesty Da Jacob Buba, thanked Governor Mutfwang for taking the decision and assured him of the support of the traditional rulers towards implementing the Executive Order to safeguard the people and the future of Plateau State.
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