Allied Peoples Movement presidential candidate and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called for mining to be removed from the Exclusive Legislative List and devolved to state governments, arguing that states would manage the sector more effectively under federal oversight.
Makinde made the proposal during a North-West stakeholders’ meeting in Katsina as part of his engagements ahead of the 2027 general election.
“Right now, the issue of mining is on the Exclusive Legislative List in our constitution. Devolve that responsibility to the states and let there be oversight only at the federal level. They will do better,” he said.
The governor said his campaign would focus on economic restructuring, security, education and constitutional questions rather than personal attacks.
He argued that Nigeria’s natural resources alone were insufficient to guarantee prosperity and that productivity, skills and effective institutions were necessary for sustained growth.
Makinde also linked illegal mining to both supply and demand, arguing that enforcement should go beyond artisanal miners to individuals and businesses that finance or profit from illegal operations.
He referred to the reported deaths of 37 miners in Niger State and said the incident demonstrated the need for a broader approach to mining policy and regulation.
The APM candidate also repeated his position that elected executives should formally hand over authority to their deputies when proceeding on vacation where required by the Constitution.
He cited Section 145 of the Constitution, which provides for transmission of a written declaration to the National Assembly when a President is proceeding on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of office.
Makinde said he would follow that procedure if elected President.
He also said his campaign would return to Katsina and the other North-West states for more extensive state-by-state mobilization.
On the economy, Makinde said Nigeria needed to develop a 24-hour productive economy and strengthen technical skills to improve competitiveness.
He also called for more reliable data on education, particularly the number of out-of-school children, and said government policy should be designed around measurable outcomes.
Makinde told supporters to participate actively in the electoral process and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards.
His statements formed part of the APM’s continuing effort to define its policy platform ahead of the 2027 election.
