Isiyaku Ahmed
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has met with miners and mine workers in the state to commiserate with them over the reported death of 37 artisanal miners at a facility of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Bago, who met with the leadership and members of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Niger State Chapter, and the Nigeria Union of Mine Workers, Niger State Chapter, prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for God to grant their families the strength to bear the loss.
Bologi Ibrahim, the Governor’s spokesperson, in a statement on Saturday, said Bago used the meeting to brief representatives of the mining sector on measures being taken by his administration to promote responsible mining across the state.
The Governor explained that responsible mining involved adherence to ethical practices, environmental stewardship, meaningful engagement with host communities, as well as balancing productivity with social responsibility.
He stressed that the safety and wellbeing of miners, mine workers and communities located around mining sites remained a priority of his administration.
According to him, mining is a highly specialised field of operation that requires strict adherence to safety standards and responsible practices to protect workers and surrounding communities.
Bago also disclosed that the committee constituted by the state government to investigate and address issues arising from the incident had commenced the process of identifying the deceased and documenting their families.
He appealed to miners and mine workers to cooperate with the government as it implements measures aimed at improving safety and regulating mining activities across the state.
The Governor assured members of the mining community of his continued support and commitment to the development of the sector.
In their response, representatives of the miners and mine workers appreciated Bago for his efforts to promote responsible mining and improve the mining sector in Niger State.
They also commended his leadership and response to the incident involving the artisanal miners, expressing support for measures aimed at improving safety and accountability within the sector.
The meeting formed part of the state government’s ongoing engagement with stakeholders in the mining sector following the incident.
