The Federal Government on Friday said it would enforce insurance policies for miners across Nigeria.
It explained that this is to enhance safety measures and provide relief to miners and their families in the event of accidents.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, stated this during a condolence visit on behalf of President Bola Tinubu to Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, according to a statement issued by Alake’s media aide, Segun Tomori.
Alake, conveyed the President’s sympathies following the recent mine pit collapse in Galadima Kogo, Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.
He also emphasized the Federal Government’s stance that remediation plans must accompany mining license applications.
He stated that irresponsible mining operations pose threats to the environment and communities, adding that such would no longer be tolerated.
He said: “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 downpour, we are committed to intensifying the monitoring of mining operations to ensure conformity to environmental standards,”
“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.”
In response, Governor Bago expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the condolence visit and emphasized the need for a concerted effort between the federal government and sub-national to ensure mining companies comply with safety standards.
He advocated the strengthening of collaborative measures to enhance periodic monitoring and evaluation of the environmental impact of mining operations to minimize recurrence of the unfortunate incident.
Citing the preponderance 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.
Governor Bago, according to the statement, accompanied the minister to visit recuperating victims at IBB Specialist Hospital.
He announced a donation of N50 million on behalf of Tinubu, to assist the affected patients and families.