The Senate has called for comprehensive legislative overhaul and stricter regulatory enforcement across Nigeria’s mining sector following a catastrophic landslide at a coal mining site in Kogi State that claimed the lives of 20 workers.
The action followed a motion sponsored by Senator Isah Jibrin (Kogi East) during Wednesday’s plenary session. The upper legislative chamber observed a one-minute silence to honor the victims of the disaster.
Presenting the motion, Senator Jibrin revealed that on or about July 14, 2026, a severe ground failure and landslide occurred in Alufele, Enjema District, within the Ankpa coal mining area. The collapse trapped artisanal and small-scale miners underground and caused heavy equipment to sink into mining pits, resulting in 20 fatalities and numerous injuries.
Unless immediate corrective measures are implemented, the unstable geological conditions and unsafe mining practices in the Ankpa Coal Block may result in recurring mine collapses, multiple fatalities, extensive environmental degradation, and destruction of valuable mining assets, emphasizing that unsafe room-and-pillar mining practices without adequate structural support are turning sites into lethal traps.
Senator Barau Jibrin.
Supporting the motion, Senate Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno (Borno North) noted that mine collapses have become a recurring national crisis and urged lawmakers to codify safety standards into binding statutory laws rather than relying solely on persuasive motions.
Key Legislative Resolutions Adopted:
Nationwide Audit of Mining Operators: The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development specifically its Department of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining was directed to immediately conduct a comprehensive audit of all licensed miners nationwide to tighten regulatory oversight.
Mandatory Workers’ Compensation Scheme: The Senate called on the Federal Government to establish a statutory mining workers’ compensation scheme, funded through mandatory contributions by licensed operators, to cover occupational injuries, permanent disabilities, and deaths.
Compulsory Occupational Accident Insurance: The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), in partnership with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, was urged to introduce compulsory insurance coverage for all categories of miners, including artisanal and cooperative workers.
Mine Rehabilitation and Victims Support Fund: Lawmakers advocated for a dedicated emergency fund to provide medical care, rehabilitation, educational support for surviving children, and financial relief to affected families.
The Senate has mandated its joint Committees on Solid Minerals Development, Environment, Labour, Employment and Productivity, and Health to engage key federal agencies on implementing these resolutions and submit a formal report within six weeks.
