OYO: Mining must be removed from exclusive list for sector to develop, says Makinde

GOVERNOR Seyi Makinde has said the placement of mining on the exclusive list is hindering the development of the sector.

Makinde said this at the 56th annual international conference and exhibition of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

The theme of the conference was: ‘Responsible exploration and exploitation of mineral resources in a secured environment’.

Makinde said, “One of the factors holding back exploration and exploitation of mineral resources in the various states, including Oyo State, is the ownership of resources.

“Mineral development and exploration are currently placed on the exclusive list of the Nigerian Constitution. This has retarded the development of the sector and eliminated direct state and local people’s participation. We know what this means in real terms: The state and the people have to wait to get a share of their natural resources instead of being the ones to share them.

“Well, the good news is that recently, Zamfara State was allowed to mine and own its gold deposits. It signals that it is time to again push for resource control for all states.

“As a matter of fact and urgency, here in Oyo State, we call for the delisting of the mineral resource ownership and development from the exclusive list.”

Makinde was also decorated as a fellow of the NMGS alongside others, at the event.