The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to enforce insurance policy for mine workers in Nigeria.
Representing President Bola Tinubu on a condolence visit to Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, in Minna, Dr Alake conveyed the president’s condolences following the recent mine pit collapse in Galadima Kogo, Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.
“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.
The Minister commended the state government for swiftly mobilizing emergency rescue operations in collaboration with federal agencies, stressing that all efforts must be made to rescue those still trapped.
Dr. Alake therefore declared that insurance policies for miners across the country will be enforced to enhance safety measures and provide relief for miners and their families in the event of accidents.
He also emphasized the federal government’s stance on remediation plans to accompany mining license applications, as irresponsible mining operations were posing threats to the environment and communities and 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.
On his part, Governor Bago expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the condolence visit and emphasized the need for a concerted effort between the federal government and subnationals to ensure mining companies comply with safety standards.
He advocated strengthening of collaboration between the states and federal government to enhance periodic monitoring and evaluation of the environmental impact of mining operations to minimize the recurrence of the unfortunate incident.
Earlier, Governor Bago appealed to the federal government to focus on making the state the pivot of developing the nation’s mining sector Citing the preponderance of commercially viable critical minerals.
The Governor accompanied the minister to visit recuperating victims at IBB Specialist Hospital, where a donation of N50 million was announced on behalf of President Tinubu to assist affected patients and families.
RN
