The Kwara State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KWACCIMA) has called for mining to be removed from the Exclusive Legislative List, stating that granting states greater authority over their solid minerals would enhance security and increase Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Chamber President, Abu Salami, made the remarks whilst addressing journalists in Ilorin, explaining that devolving control of mineral resources would empower state governments to directly safeguard mining communities. He observed that local administrations are more suitably placed to oversee operations and react promptly to emerging threats.

Salami attributed the rising insecurity within mining districts to inadequate local supervision and the steady arrival of armed factions in resource-endowed areas, particularly across rural settlements.

"The ultimate solution is to remove mining from the Exclusive List and allow states to control what is sourced from their environment. That way, security can be better managed at the local level," he said.

He cautioned that Kwara State must take preventive measures now to escape the violent clashes linked to unregulated mining that have already engulfed other states.

Additionally, the chamber recommended establishing a dedicated security structure for mining districts, emphasising that the majority of extraction activities take place in remote locations where traditional law enforcement presence is minimal.