Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake has reiterated the Federal Government’s dedication to implementing an insurance program for mine workers nationwide, ensuring their protection and well-being in the industry.
On Friday, the Minister, expressed President Bola Tinubu’s condolences to Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, in Minna, during a condolence visit, as stated in a statement released by Segun Tomori, the minister’s Special Assistant on Media.
The minister emphasized that implementing an insurance policy for mine workers is crucial to prevent similar incidents or minimize the consequences of such accidents, as seen in the recent mining pit collapse that trapped over 50 workers and resulted in loss of lives.
“I bring the condolences and sympathies of Mr President to the families of victims, those injured, the entire community, and the government and people of Niger State on the mine pit collapse. It is unfortunate and avoidable. Though we learned the disaster was due to heavy downpours, we are committed to intensifying the monitoring of mining operations to ensure conformity to environmental standards,” Alake stated.
On June 3, a mining site at the Galadima Kogo community in Shiroro LGA in Niger State collapsed after a heavy downpour, trapping more than 20 workers.
It was reported that seven workers were rescued, while about 14 people were still trapped.
On Thursday, the Niger State Police Command said a lack of equipment and heavy rocks stalled the rescue of the remaining workers trapped in the mining pit.
During the visit, the minister commended the state government for swiftly mobilising emergency rescue operations in collaboration with federal agencies, stressing that all efforts must be made to rescue those still trapped.
To enhance safety measures and provide relief to miners and their families in the event of accidents, Alake declared that insurance policies for miners across the country would be enforced.
He also emphasised the Federal Government’s stance that remediation plans must accompany mining license applications, stating that irresponsible mining operations posing threats to the environment and communities would no longer be tolerated.
“We must also put in place contingency plans to mitigate the impact of natural disasters on mining sites. For instance, making the installation of support pillars under shafts mandatory. This practice is common in other countries,” he added.
Governor Bago expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the condolence visit and emphasised the need for a concerted effort between the Federal Government and subnationals to ensure mining companies comply with safety standards.
Alake urged for intensified collaboration to enhance regular monitoring and assessment of the environmental effects of mining activities, aiming to reduce the likelihood of such incidents recurring.
Meanwhile, Governor Umar Bago, highlighting the abundance of commercially viable critical minerals in the state, appealed to the Federal Government to prioritize Niger State as the hub for developing Nigeria’s mining sector.
Bago joined Minister Dele Alake on a visit to the IBB Specialist Hospital
Minister Alake, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, announced a donation of N50 million to support the affected patients and their families.
