NIGERIA MINING HOST COMMUNITIES, NIGER STATE MAKES CASE FOR VICTIMS OF COLLAPSED SITE, ISSUES COMMUNIQUÈ [SEE DETAILS]

Blessing Adure A, Reports

The Federation of Nigerian Mining Host Communities, Niger State Chapter has recently risen from and Emergency Meeting issuing a comprehensive Communiquè, which includes strong case for victims of the collapsed Mining Site in the State. Below is the detailed unedited Communiquè

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF AN EMERGENCY MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY 20TH JUNE, 2024

PREAMBLE;

The meeting was convened in view of the unfortunate and painful incidences of mining pit collapse which occured at Galadiman Kogo, Tungan Amale and the drowning of a woman and her daughter at a mining site at M I Wushishi Housing Estate all in Niger State . The meeting centered on the following issues among many others;

• To deliberate, ascertain and be certain of the category of victims affected by pit collapse
• To critically discuss on wether or not the companies operating at the sites obtain licenses or lease permit from the appropriate authorities and wether or not host Community members are being used at the site
• Map strategies on how to hold such companies accountable
• Suggest ways to curb or reduce to the bearest minimum future occurrence

RESOLUTIONS:

The federation after exhaustive deliberations arrived at the following resolutions;

• To collaborate with the executive of the Mines Workers Union of Nigeria, Niger State chapter, the state’s Ministry of Mineral Resources, Environment and other Stakeholders to get identities of the victims of Galadiman Kogo mining pit collapse and to ascertain wether or not they are community members used by the company at the site
• If the company is found culpable of using host community members and they form part of the victims, the Federation will seek for assistance from its Secretariat (Global Rights) to push for proper investigation, arraignment and prosecution of the management of Africa Minerals and Logistics Limited and seek for compensation for the victims to serve as deterrent to other companies in Niger State and the nation as a whole
• In collaboration with the Mines Workers Union of Nigeria embark on more physical sensitization and enlightenment within and around reachable host Communities and to use Radio stations with wider coverage for the hard to reach areas in the state for such sensitization
• To embark on courtesy visits to first class traditional/Religious leaders and other relevant Stakeholders in the state to abreast them of the looming dangers of mining generally and the need for working together to curb future occurrence
• Use the services of local town Media platforms (town criers and artists) for enlightenment and sensitization

APPRECIATION

The Federation extends it sincere appreciation for the kind concerns, care and show of love shown to the state, it’s people and the Federation during and after the disaster;

• The honorable Minister of Mines and Steel Development Mr Dele Alake, officials of the ministry and the special assistant on Community Engagement Emily Ofodile for their swift action and physical visit to our state to commiserate with us
• The Country Director of Global Rights Abiodun Bayewu who consistently made several calls and sent WhatsApp messages to guide and encourage us during that hard period and afterwards. The entire Global Rights team are also deeply appreciated for their kind words
• The entire Chapters of the federation also showed us so much love and concern and we are indebted to them, we appreciate them so much.
• The security agencies did a wonderful job by preventing the loss of more lives during the search and rescue operations
• His Excellency, Farmer Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago showed great love for his people and had exhibited great sense of commitment and leadership throughout the difficult period. He cut short his visit to Abuja and returned back to Minna and ensured that equipments and personnel needed at the scene are adequately provided. He is well appreciated.

CONCLUSION

The Federation reiterates it commitment to add voice to its people by ensuring justice and equity is done to its communities and shall continue to peacefully protect members of the mining host communities by pointing out every wrongs in the mining sector with a view to correcting such them for the betterment of the socioeconomic development of Nigeria and it’s people . The Federation should be seen as partners in progress, an association with strong commitment for the growth of the country and undiluted love for the people of Nigeria.

Signed

Habibu Wushishi
State Coordinator/National Co-chair
Federation of Nigerian Mining Host Communities

Mohammed Mohammed (M2)
State Secretary
Federation of Nigerian Mining Host Communities, Niger State Chapter