President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasized the need for the adoption of new policies in the mining sector to ensure safety and security of investments in the country.
Tinubu spoke through the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, who led a delegation on a condolence visit to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago over the recent collapse of a mining site in Shiroro LGA of the State.
“The incident that occurred at the mining site in the state was unfortunate and avoidable. Therefore, there is the need for measures to be taken to avert recurrence, ensure safe operations and secure investments,” he stated.
The President explained that henceforth, mining companies must comply with the new policies which include having a concrete plan for local value-addition, remediation plan and insurance policy for mine workers before their licence would be approved by the Ministry.
While, commending Governor Bago for his responsive and proactive measures in mobilising for rescue mission, Tinubu appreciated the security personnel, leaders, and members of the community for their efforts to rescue some of the victims.
He also extended his condolences to the families of the victims, the affected community, and the Niger State government, assuring that every effort would be deployed to ensure that those still trapped are safely rescued.
In his response, Bago applauded the Federal Government for the new policies aimed at preventing future occurrence just as he also offered some suggestions for effective outcome.
The suggestions include the need for all licensed miners in the state to be grouped into cooperatives; mining companies with licences should intimate and relate well with relevant stakeholders from the level of host communities, local government, emirate, and the State Government, about their activities.
Others are the use of technology in mining activities as against sporadic use of explosives to prevent environmental hazards, and the need for Environmental Impact Assessments before the commencement of mining activities.
He also thanked the President for the N50 million donation to the victims of the collapsed mining site, while promising that the fund would be delivered to them.
The minister was then accompanied by Governor Bago to visit the injured victims of the disaster, who are currently receiving medical attention at the IBB Specialist Hospital, Minna.
Niger mine collapse: Nigerian Govt adopts new policies for mining sector