…Says it will curb insecurity, boost states’ revenue

The Kwara State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KWACCIMA) has urged the removal of mining from the nation’s Exclusive Legislative List to allow states assume better control of their solid minerals, arguing that the approval would improve security and boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

President of the chamber, Eng Abu Salami, told Newsmen in Ilorin, that decentralising control of mineral resources would enable state governments to take direct responsibility for securing mining communities, noting that local authorities are better positioned to monitor activities and to always respond swiftly to threats.

He linked the growing insecurity in mining areas to weak local oversight and the influx of armed groups into resource-rich locations, especially in rural communities.

“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 warned that Kwara must act proactively to avoid the experiences of states already facing violent conflicts tied to illegal mining.

The chamber also advocated the creation of a specialised security framework dedicated to mining zones, stressing that most mining activities occur in isolated areas where conventional policing is limited.

Acting Director-General, Maigida, identified insecurity, poor infrastructure, and limited access to finance as major challenges confronting businesses in the state.

“Farmers cannot go to their farms; transporters operate under fear; these challenges cut across sectors and require urgent intervention,” he said.

On institutional roles, Yahaya explained that the chamber’s leadership structure is designed to strengthen coordination and enhance engagement with government, including its affiliation with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).

Beyond policy advocacy, KWACCIMA urged the Kwara State Government to formally involve the chamber in its empowerment programmes for youths and women to ensure transparency and effectiveness.

Salami said the chamber could help identify credible beneficiaries, ensuring that government interventions reach genuine entrepreneurs.

“We appreciate government’s commitment to empowerment, but these opportunities must get to the right people. The chamber can serve as a credible channel to identify those who will utilise them effectively,” he said.

The chamber also disclosed plans to strengthen collaboration with institutions such as the Ilorin Innovation Hub to support youth entrepreneurship, capacity building, and innovation.

It reaffirmed its role as a private sector advocacy body representing commerce, industry, mines, and agriculture, with a focus on promoting trade, investment, and policies that improve the business climate in Kwara State.