With Governor Agbu Kefas’s ban on mining operations in Taraba State, miners were recently forced into the jobless market. In response, the governor received letters from Save Our Ships (SOS).

They pleaded with the governor to reverse the order so they could go back to mining.

The requests begged the governor to overturn Executive Orders Three and Five so that mining operations may resume in the state. They were included in a communiqué sent to state journalists on Saturday.

The communiqué appeared to be a portion of the decision made at the conclusion of a consultative meeting that the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development arranged in the state capital of Jalingo with stakeholders and holders of mineral titles.

The miners noted that even though the Ministry was not consulted before passing the Executive measures, they thought the measures were made in good faith to address insecurity in the state. The directives were signed by Engineer Kutman Hosea.

The communiqué stated that by paying set fees, the miners would support the state government’s efforts to collect money from mining operations.

The state government can work with holders of mineral titles to improve mining operations, benefit local people, and benefit Nigeria as a whole.

The communiqué stated that “mining title holders have committed to ensuring that all companies strictly sign and implement agreements for community development with their host communities.”

They also promised to carry out their mining operations in a way that respects established protocols and protects the environment.

They made an appeal to the state and federal governments to encourage and incentivise indigenous miners, on the grounds that doing so would end poverty in the areas where the minerals are found.

They continued by saying that the state’s prohibition on mining operations has caused miners great suffering, with many of them having debts to financial institutions.