The Senate has called on the federal government to proactively dispatch Security forces to Mining Communities nationwide to ensure heightened security and vigilance in these areas. The Senate stressed the importance of increased monitoring in Mining regions to deter unauthorized entry by informal miners across the country. They emphasized the necessity of stringent safety protocols to combat illegal activities in the sector. The Senate also urged the federal government to implement strict safety regulations aligned with global standards to regulate mining operations in Nigeria.
Also, the Senate paid tribute to the more than 30 people who tragically lost their lives in a mining site collapse in Galadima Kogo, located in the Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State, with a minute of silence. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other government agencies were urged to quickly retrieve the remaining bodies in the disaster so that grieving families can find Peace and closure. Following the incident, the Senate quickly assigned its Solid Mineral Committee to investigate the Site and determine the causes. They were also urged to speed up the approval of the Mine Ranger Bill, which is currently being reviewed by the Senate.
Relevant authorities should promptly launch an inquiry.
Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Mineral, was praised by the Upper Chamber for his quick and proactive handling of the mining site issue. The incident was viewed as a tragic reminder of the critical necessity for a comprehensive approach to address the risks associated with local mining activities nationwide. Considering the abundant mineral reserves in the area, it is crucial to establish security measures at the mining site to prevent any future incidents and prevent any more loss of life.
By taking necessary precautions, mining operations can be carried out in a safe and lawful manner, effectively reducing the risk of future disasters and enhancing the Welfare of miners nationwide. With Nigeria looking to broaden its economic horizons, the industry presents a valuable opportunity that should be fully utilized to drive socio-economic growth in the country. They stated that it is essential for the relevant authorities to promptly and indispensably launch a comprehensive inquiry into the situation to uncover any setback in safety regulations and enforcement within the sector.
Government to enhance oversight in the industry.
It is imperative to restore the order of the system through implementing stringent regulations to safeguard the livelihoods of individuals relying on this industry. Additionally, it is crucial for the appropriate Committees of the National Assembly to increase monitoring of mining operations nationwide to maximize the potential benefits of the sector. Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau of the APC party from Kano expressed concerns about the negative impacts of Illegal Mining on both communities and the economy. He lamented the unfortunate nature of the incident and its repercussions.
Barau said such an incident highlights the urgency for the government to enhance oversight of the solid mineral industry. Despite the government’s efforts in this area, there is a growing worry over the presence of numerous unauthorized miners who are taking advantage of the nation’s resources without fulfilling their obligations to the government. He also noted that mineral exploitation is causing the government to lose out on much-needed revenue, as the illegal miners fail to fulfill their financial obligations to the government.
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Therefore, it is crucial to implement measures to guarantee that the nation’s natural resources are extracted following global standards. Collaboration from all pertinent stakeholders and groups is vital to support the government in effectively addressing this issue, ensuring that all due funds are returned to the government’s treasury, and preventing unauthorized activities by foreigners. Barau emphasized the importance of the Senate’s backing in promoting compliance with global standards for the efficient operation of Nigeria’s solid minerals industry.