Following the collapse of a mining site in Galadima Kogo, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, President Bola Tinubu, has visited and condoled with victims and families who lost their loved ones in the incident.
Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, during a condolence to the Governor of Niger State, Hon Umar Bago, in Minna, the State capital, where he sympathized with the family and victims of the incident as contained in a statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori.
Meanwhile, the President maintained that his administration is committed to intensifying the monitoring of mining operations to ensure conformity to environmental standards.
The Minister 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.”
He also commended the state government for swiftly mobilizing emergency rescue operations in collaboration with federal agencies, stressing that all efforts must be made to rescue those still trapped.
However, he vowed to enhance safety measures by strictly enforcing mining insurance policies to safeguard miners across the country, and added that the federal government has resolved that remediation plans must accompany mining license applications.
He also warned that Government would not tolerate such irresponsible mining operations in any part of the country, because it is a disaster that is going to consume innocent lives, and that will be unacceptable but will be resisted with stiff penalities.
“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”, he added.
Meanwhile, Governor Bago expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the condolence visit and concern for the people of the State, especially, the survivors and families of the deceased.
Bago also called for a concerted effort and synergy between the federal government and sub-nationals to ensure mining companies comply with safety standards and safeguard the lives of the people and the environment.
He added that there is need for stronger and sustainable collaborative measures to ensure and enhance periodic and holistic monitoring and evaluation of the environmental impact of mining operations in order to minimize or prevent recurrence of the unfortunate incident.
However, citing the preponderance of commercially viable critical minerals in Niger State, he (Bago), therefore, appealed to the federal government to focus on making the State the pivot of developing the nation’s mining sector.
Meanwhile, Governor Bago accompanied the Minister to visit recuperating victims at the IBB Specialist Hospital.
On behalf of President Tinubu, he announced a donation of N50 million to assist affected patients and families.
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