Nigeria@66: Mine Workers Task FG, Companies On Skill Devt, Better Working Conditions

The Nigeria Union of Mine Workers (NUMW) has called on the federal government and mining companies to urgently improve safety standards, wages, technical training and social protection for workers in the mining sector.

The union said it was unacceptable that mine workers continued to operate in unsafe conditions 66 years after Nigeria gained independence, despite the billions of naira generated by the mining sector.

National President of NUMW, Comrade Hamza Muhammad, made the call yesterday at a press conference in Abuja to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

Muhammad said the struggle for Nigeria’s independence was closely linked to the struggle by mine workers for better working conditions, recalling the 1949 Iva Valley massacre in Enugu, where 21 coal miners were killed while demanding their rights.

He also recalled the agitations by tin miners in Jos, Bauchi and other parts of Northern Nigeria, saying Nigerian miners had contributed significantly to the country’s development through their labour and sacrifices.

“It is therefore painful and unacceptable that 66 years after Independence in 1960, mine workers are still neglected and abandoned,” he said.

The NUMW president said the revenues announced by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development from the mining sector were largely generated by the hard work of mine workers.

“Today, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development announces billions of naira as revenue generated from the mining sector. That revenue comes directly from the hard labour of mine workers – yet those workers continue to work under unsafe conditions, without safety, without modern technical training, without proper equipment, and without good pay, while companies declare huge profits,” he said.

Muhammad urged the federal government and mining companies to enforce strict safety standards across mining operations, particularly in the use of hazardous chemicals.

He specifically called for an end to the dangerous use of mercury in open processing, while urging employers to invest in skills development, technical knowledge and modern mining methods for Nigerian workers.

The union also demanded decent wages, insurance, compensation and adequate social protection for mine workers.

According to Muhammad, the rising number of mining accidents nationwide underscores the urgent need for stronger occupational safety and health measures.

He called on union members to take personal responsibility for their safety by using appropriate protective equipment and avoiding dangerous mining practices.

“I urge you all to take care of your health. Your health is your wealth. Always use your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), avoid open burning of mercury, and practise safety at all times. No gold or mineral is worth your life,” he said.

…Union Mourns Dead Miners The NUMW also expressed condolences to the governments and people of Niger, Taraba, Plateau, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, and Zamfara states over recent mining accidents that claimed the lives of workers.

The union extended its condolences to the Etsu Nupe and families of the victims, praying for the repose of the souls of those who died.

In response to the fatalities, Muhammad directed all state chairmen and branch executives of the union to intensify education and awareness among mine workers on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH).

He said the union would continue to press for better protection and welfare for workers whose labour contributes to the growth of Nigeria’s mining industry.