The Federal Government has announced a donation of N50 million to assist the victims and families affected by the recent mine pit collapse in Galadima Kogo, Shiroro local government area.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake made the announcement on behalf of the Federal Government and reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing insurance policies for mine workers in Nigeria.
Representing President Bola Tinubu on a condolence visit to Niger State governor, Hon. Umar Bago in Minna, Alake conveyed the president’s sympathies following the tragedy. “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 mobilising emergency rescue operations in collaboration with federal agencies, stressing that all efforts must be made to rescue those still trapped. Alake assured that insurance policies for miners across the country will be enforced, to enhance safety measures and provide relief to them and their families in the event of accidents. He also emphasised the Federal Government’s stance that remediation plans must accompany mining license applications, stating that irresponsible mining operations which pose threats to the environment and communities will 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 thanked 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. He advocated strengthening collaborative measures to enhance periodic monitoring and evaluation of the environmental impact of mining operations to minimise the recurrence of such incidents.
Citing the abundance of commercially viable critical minerals in the state, Governor Bago appealed to the federal government to focus on making the state the pivot of developing the nation’s mining sector. A statement signed by the special assistant on media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori said Bago accompanied the minister to visit recuperating victims at IBB Specialist Hospital.
