On July 22, 2026, the senate has called on the Federal Government to initiate a nation-wide audit of all licensed miners and establish a compulsory compensation scheme to protect workers against occupational hazards in the solid minerals sector.
The resolutions were passed following a motion presented by Senator Isah Jibrin, who raised urgent concerns regarding the rising frequency of mining accidents including mine collapses and landslides that routinely result in fatalities and life-altering injuries without adequate financial or medical protection for affected workers.
Highlighting critical vulnerabilities in areas such as the Ankpa Coal Block, the Senate warned that unaddressed geological risks and unsafe mining practices will continue to cause preventable deaths, environmental damage, and economic loss unless strict regulatory measures are enforced.
Key mandates from the Senate’s resolution include:
National Mining Audit: Directing the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to conduct a comprehensive audit of all licensed operators and their operational locations to tighten oversight across the sector.
Statutory Compensation Scheme: Urging the Federal Government to set up a dedicated workers’ compensation scheme funded via mandatory contributions from licensed mining companies to cover injuries, permanent disabilities, occupational illnesses, and fatalities.
Compulsory Insurance: Requesting the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), alongside the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, to formulate a mandatory occupational accident insurance framework covering all workers, including artisanal and small-scale miners in recognized cooperatives.
Rehabilitation & Victims Support Fund: Recommending a specialized fund to deliver emergency medical response, disability rehabilitation, educational aid for surviving children, and livelihood support for families of deceased miners.
To ensure swift action, the Senate has instructed its Joint Committees on Solid Minerals Development; Environment; Labour, Employment and Productivity; and Health to engage key executive bodies and present an implementation progress report within six weeks.
The Senate reaffirmed that while the mining sector remains vital to Nigeria’s economic growth, the safety, health, and dignity of its workforce must be protected through enforceable constitutional and corporate accountability.
