Solid Minerals Devt Fund, Red Cross Train Staff On Mining Safety

The Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) have concluded the second phase of the training of some personnel from different offices and locations across the country on mining site emergency management.

The week-long training concluded in Abuja at the weekend.

SMDF executive secretary/CEO, Hajiya Fatima Shinkafi, who was represented by the head, Minerals and Project Development Department, SMDF, Dr Martina Ananaba, stressed the need for the trainees to put into practice what they had learnt.

Hajiya Shinkafi said, “As we move forward, I urge each of you to take what you have learned and apply it, both on and off the field.

“The need for first aid, CPR, and emergency preparedness is not just theoretical—it is a practical necessity for those working in high-risk environments, like artisanal and small-scale mining.”
She further urged the trained members of staff to train others subsequently to ensure that every staff working at a mining site is equipped with basic skills to manage crises.

She said, “Over the past few days, we have covered essential topics like first aid, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), and emergency preparedness. Now, those who benefited from this training have the responsibility to become trainers, ensuring that everyone is prepared for emergencies.

“This knowledge transfer is crucial, as quick action in the field can mean the difference between life and death. Hence, we must ensure that every worker at our mining sites is equipped with basic skills to manage crises.

“By doing so, we not only protect lives but also strengthen SMDF’s commitment to safety, preparedness, and the well-being of those in high-risk environments.”

She acknowledged the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that emphasise safety and preparedness, and the continued support of the Minister of Solid Minister, Dr Dele Alake, which, according to her, has paved the way for health and safety in the field to be prioritised.

The SMDF boss thanked the Nigerian Red Cross Society, for deploying its expertise to empower the participants with relevant skills.

On its part, the head trainer, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Audu Goji, said he was confident that “if any incident occurs anywhere, be it within the office or in the field, these people are capable of handling it effectively.”

According to him, the training in first aid is part of the federal government’s policy which the Ministry of Labour has made mandatory for all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), and SMDF happened to be one of the first to key into it.

One of the participants who gave her name simply as Praise said: “Before now if I met someone that had an accident, I wouldn’t know what to do, but now I have the basic first aid knowledge that can enable me save life.”

Another participant, Modupeola Aponjolosun, said, “The training was really worthwhile; it has added value to me. First, this is the first time I am coming across a Red Cross training, and I am happy that with the knowledge of first aid measures that I have now, I can save life in times of emergency at mining sites or elsewhere.”

The climax was the presentation of NRCS certificates to the participants by the head, Minerals and Project Development Department, SMDF, Dr Martina Ananaba, on behalf of the ES, Hajiya Fatima Shinkafi.