National President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dele Ayanleke, has revealed that many foreign mining companies the country are operating independently. 
 
He also emphasised that MAN was yet to receive government-backed recognition mandating all miners to become members. Ayanleke told The Guardian that MAN does not provide insurance for its members, stressing that each mining company secures its insurance policies.
 
He explained that while MAN collaborates with key players in the mining sector, membership remains optional. association. Ayanleke said: “The Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of association, so not all miners or mining shareholders are members of our association. While we work closely with many stakeholders, they are not necessarily part of our membership.”

He said his organisation has been advocating for the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development to grant it official recognition, ensuring that all miners become members. 
 
Addressing concerns about mining site collapses, Ayanleke clarified that not all affected sites belong to MAN members.  He highlighted that impacted workers often belong to the Nigerian Union of Mine Workers, which operates separately.