Following the tragic loss of 37 miners at a site in Kampani, Zurak, within the Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals has formally recommended the implementation of mandatory insurance coverage for all mining personnel nationwide.
The recommendation was announced during an official oversight visit to the scene of the tunnel collapse. Committee members expressed profound concern over the recurring nature of mining accidents in Plateau State, characterizing the recent deaths as avoidable tragedies rooted in unregulated practices and insufficient safety protocols.
Speaking on behalf of the Committee in Jos, Senator Diket Plang emphasized that the Senate is prioritizing human life over economic gain. He noted that the Committee has reached a consensus on the urgent need for a more robust regulatory framework to stabilize the sector.
Key Policy Recommendations:
Mandatory Insurance: The Senate proposes that no individual should be permitted to work on a mining site without comprehensive insurance cover. This ensures that in the event of an accident, both the worker and their family are financially protected.
Public Safety Awareness: A call for intensified sensitization and education campaigns to ensure that those entering the industry are fully aware of the geological risks and safety requirements.
Regulatory Enforcement: A commitment to work with relevant authorities to clamp down on illegal and unsafe mining pits, ensuring all activities are conducted within the ambit of the law.
“For all mining activities, anyone invited to work in a mining site must be properly insured,” Senator Plang stated. “Our responsibility is to ensure that economic activities do not come at the cost of human lives. Safety must always come first.”
The Senator further cautioned citizens against entering mining pits without professional guidance or a clear understanding of the hazards involved, labeling the current rate of loss “painful and unacceptable.”
The Senate Committee on Solid Minerals has pledged to remain engaged with industry stakeholders to overhaul safety standards and prevent further loss of life within Nigeria’s mining communities.
