The Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has declined the request from northern governors and traditional leaders to implement a blanket suspension of mining activities across Northern Nigeria. This decision comes amid rising insecurity attributed to banditry in the region, with leaders suggesting a halt in mining as a potential strategy to mitigate the threat. Despite these concerns, the government has emphasized the importance of these mining operations to the local and national economy.

In a recent interview, Minister Alake highlighted that a total shutdown of mining would lead to significant economic repercussions both for Northern Nigeria and for the country as a whole. He outlined that the government had taken into consideration the potential security benefits of temporarily halting mining activities, but ultimately judged that the economic ramifications of such a move would be far more detrimental. He relayed this stance through his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, who reiterated the government's commitment to balancing security measures with economic realities.

The refusal to suspend mining activities underscores the complex dynamics at play in addressing insecurity in Northern Nigeria. While the government acknowledges the threats posed by banditry, it is equally mindful of the economic stability that mining brings to the region. This decision signals a prioritization of economic resilience over drastic measures, indicating that stakeholders will need to find alternatives that do not jeopardize vital economic interests while pursuing solutions to the security crisis.