Governor commiserates with miners, pledges support to families of 37 deceased artisanal miners

By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has directed a state government committee to conduct a headcount of the artisanal miners who died in an incident involving a facility of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state.

Bago gave the directive during a closed-door meeting with representatives of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Niger State chapter, and the Nigeria Union of Mine Workers, Niger State chapter, where he commiserated with the mining community over the deaths of 37 artisanal miners.

A statement by the governor's Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, said Bago prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for their families to have the strength to bear the loss.

The governor also briefed the mining associations on measures being developed by the state government to promote responsible mining practices across Niger State.

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He described responsible mining as involving ethical practices, environmental protection, community engagement and a balance between productivity and social responsibility.

Bago said the safety of miners, mine workers and communities around mining sites remained a priority for his administration, given the specialised nature of mining operations.

The governor further said the committee constituted by the state government was conducting a headcount of the deceased and their families to establish the extent of the incident.

He appealed to the mining associations and other stakeholders to cooperate with the committee, while assuring them of his continued support.

The representatives of the two groups acknowledged the state government's support for the mining sector and its response to the incident involving the artisanal miners.