Nigeria’s Senate has called for urgent action from the federal government following a deadly rockslide at a gold mine in Niger State. The incident, which occurred earlier this week, reportedly buried alive over 50 miners.
Senators Demand Safety Measures and Security
Lawmakers urged the government to implement a two-pronged approach to address the mining industry’s safety crisis. Senators emphasized the need for stricter safety regulations and a heightened security presence at mining sites. Senator Musa Mohammed Sani, representing Niger East Senatorial District, sponsored a motion calling for the adoption of “time-tested safety measures and regulations” to prevent future mining disasters.
The motion also highlighted the security risks faced by miners, particularly those working in remote areas. Several senators, including Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) and Senator Mohammed Monguno (Borno North), stressed the importance of safeguarding the mining industry from armed groups who operate in some mineral-rich regions. These groups have been known to kidnap miners and extort money from mining operations.
Investigating the Cause of the Tragedy
The Senate has taken steps to investigate the cause of the Niger State mine collapse. Its Committee on Solid Minerals has been directed to visit the accident scene and conduct a thorough investigation. The committee’s findings are expected to shed light on the factors that contributed to the disaster. This information will be crucial in informing the development of new safety regulations for the mining sector.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies have been tasked with mobilizing resources to recover the bodies of the deceased miners. The families of the victims are facing unimaginable grief, and swift recovery efforts are essential.
A Pattern of Deadly Incidents
The Niger State mine collapse is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by Nigerian miners. Tragically, this is not an isolated incident. In 2024 alone, there have been several reported mining accidents across the country. In February, a pit collapse in Niger trapped 50 miners, and a separate incident in Bauchi claimed the lives of four miners.
These repeated disasters raise serious concerns about the safety standards in Nigeria’s mining sector. Many mining operations, particularly those focused on artisanal or small-scale mining, lack proper safety protocols and equipment. Miners often work in hazardous conditions with little to no protection from cave-ins, explosions, and other dangers.
While stricter safety regulations are undoubtedly necessary, addressing the root causes of these accidents requires a broader approach. The Nigerian government needs to take steps to formalize the artisanal and small-scale mining sector. This could involve providing miners with training on safe mining practices, ensuring proper inspections of mining sites, and facilitating access to essential equipment.
Source: Punch
