By Francesca Hangeior
As part of its commitment to establish a safer and more profitable mining sector, the Nigerian Senate has vowed to eliminate illegal mining activities that have been depriving the federal government of significant revenue and contributing to food and physical insecurity across the country.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Senator Ekong led a delegation to Niger State to investigate the recent collapse of a mining pit that claimed around 30 lives over the weekend.
During the visit, Ekong emphasized that illegal and unregulated mining operations are major obstacles to realizing the multi-billion-dollar potential of Nigeria’s minerals sector, with unauthorized miners using unsafe and environmentally harmful practices.
“The illegal mining practices, using crude methods and little regard for safety, continue to undermine our mining sector’s potential and threaten environmental and public health,” Ekong stated. “The Senate remains committed to creating legislative solutions to support the growth and safety of Nigeria’s mining industry.”
In response to the committee’s visit, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State expressed the state’s readiness to work with the National Assembly to enact laws that would reform the mining sector, benefiting all stakeholders—including the federal and state governments, local communities, and miners.
Bago described “Responsible Mining” as a new initiative, inspired by models seen in Brazil, that would require companies to provide community support, such as potable water, healthcare, and education, to offset the impacts of mining.
Ekong used the occasion to convey condolences to the people of Niger State for the tragic June 3, 2024, mining site collapse in Shiroro, which caused significant fatalities and displaced many families. Ekong praised the Niger State Government and the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals for their swift response to the disaster and urged for further assistance to the affected families.
“Mining incidents like the one in Shiroro are far too common, and the sector loses substantial revenue daily due to unauthorized, black-market-style mining that has also fueled insecurity,” Ekong said. “We must collaborate to address these challenges and protect our national resources.”
He highlighted the economic potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, noting that curbing illegal mining could generate substantial revenue, diversify the economy, and boost Nigeria’s GDP.
Governor Bago assured the Senate of Niger State’s commitment to advancing responsible mining practices. “Artisanal mining has led to loss of lives and property and has fueled insecurity. With a responsible mining bill, we can ensure mining activities are sustainable and beneficial for communities,” he said.
The Senate delegation included Senators Diket Plang, Amos Yohanna, Professor Anthony Ani, Okechukwu Ezea, and Sani Musa, who initially brought the Shiroro tragedy to the Senate’s attention. The committee intends to continue working closely with local and federal stakeholders to create a safe, sustainable mining industry that benefits the Nigerian economy and protects the lives of all involved.