BY CHIJIOKE CHARLES
The Senate has adopted a motion by Senator Isah Jibrin (Kogi East) seeking urgent federal intervention to tackle unsafe mining practices, improve miners’ welfare and establish compulsory insurance and compensation schemes following the July 14 coal mine landslide in Ankpa, Kogi State, which claimed about 20 lives.
The motion followed the July 14 landslide at Alufele in Enjema District of Ankpa Local Government Area, Kogi State, where about 20 artisanal miners reportedly lost their lives after a mining pit collapsed.
During consideration of the motion, lawmakers approved all the prayers, including calls for stricter regulation of mining operations, compulsory occupational insurance for miners, and the establishment of a Mining Workers’ Compensation Scheme.
Speaking with journalists after the plenary, Senator Jibrin said the motion was inspired by the persistent neglect of miners who work under hazardous conditions without insurance, employment protection or compensation.
“The workers have suffered untold hardships. Their lives are not insured. We’ve had records of site collapses at various locations. The workers die and, at the end of the day, there is no compensation for their families,” he said.
According to him, many miners are engaged on an ad hoc basis without appointment letters or clearly defined terms of employment, leaving their families vulnerable whenever accidents occur.
“There must be a formal system of engaging these workers. They must have appointment letters that clearly spell out the terms and conditions of their employment. If anything happens, their families should be compensated, and their lives must be fully insured,” he added.
Jibrin also blamed recurring mining accidents on operators’ failure to reinforce underground mining sites adequately.
“There are various ways you can fortify the sites so that they will not collapse. But many operators are only interested in the money they can make, at the expense of my people. This cannot continue,” he said.
The senator disclosed that he would immediately translate the motion into a bill to institutionalise mining safety and workers’ welfare across the country.
“I want to escalate this motion into a bill so that these provisions can become law. The first reading will be tomorrow,” he revealed.
He said the proposed legislation would ensure that miners nationwide benefit from compulsory insurance, proper employment conditions and statutory compensation in the event of accidents.
Jibrin further disclosed that the Senate not only adopted all the prayers contained in his motion but also encouraged him to pursue legislation that would make the proposed reforms applicable across Nigeria.
“All the prayers were accepted. Senator Monguno specifically advised that these proposals should be incorporated into a bill so that it becomes a national issue rather than something limited to Ankpa or Kogi State,” he said.
On the role of the Kogi State Government, the lawmaker acknowledged that the state had consistently provided assistance to affected communities after similar incidents.
“The state government has been very responsive in supporting communities affected by such tragedies, and I’m confident it will intervene again. But this is essentially a federal issue because we need long-term measures that will prevent future occurrences while ensuring miners are adequately insured,” he stated.
The motion also urged the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to conduct a nationwide audit of licensed mining operators, while calling on the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to develop compulsory occupational accident insurance covering artisanal and small-scale miners.
It further proposed the establishment of a Mine Rehabilitation and Victims Support Fund to provide emergency medical care, compensation, rehabilitation, educational support for children of deceased miners and livelihood assistance for affected families.
The Senate mandated its Committees on Solid Minerals Development, Environment, Labour, Employment and Productivity, and Health to engage relevant ministries and agencies on the implementation of the recommendations and report back within six weeks.
Lawmakers also observed a minute’s silence in honour of the victims of the July 14 landslide in Ankpa.
