The Nigeria Union of Mines Workers (NUMW) has issued a stern warning to tipper drivers under its transport unit and heavy equipment operators, including caterpillar operators, to refrain from working at mining pits not approved by the Anambra State government. The union stressed that compliance with this directive is necessary to avoid legal consequences and support the government’s efforts to regulate mining activities in the state.

The chairman of the union, Comrade Kelvin Onyah, delivered this message during a one-day sensitisation and awareness campaign conducted across various mining sites in Anambra State. Addressing union members, Onyah emphasised the importance of adhering to state laws and warned that anyone caught operating in illegal mining sites would face prosecution. He reiterated the union’s commitment to collaborating with the government to ensure mining activities in Anambra are lawful and well-regulated.

Onyah also used the platform to appeal to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to consider reviewing the current tax burden placed on union members. He argued that the rising cost of living and economic hardships are making it increasingly difficult for workers to sustain themselves and their families. Reducing the tax, he explained, would provide much-needed financial relief for members and help them remain compliant with state regulations. Onyah assured the state government that a tax reduction would further empower the union to monitor its members effectively and hold those involved in illegal activities accountable.

He highlighted that recent arrests and truck seizures by officials of the Anambra State Task Force on Healthy and Clean Environment, also known as the Ocha Brigade, underscore the need for stricter compliance. The Ocha Brigade recently apprehended several union members operating at illegal mining sites in Nnewi South Local Government Area (LGA), a situation Onyah described as unfortunate and avoidable. He urged union members to act responsibly and ensure they only work at government-approved sites to avoid such confrontations and sanctions.

The union’s patron, Comrade Chinaedu Eze, and other executive members accompanied Onyah during the sensitisation campaign. The leadership team visited various mining sites across the state to educate members on the consequences of illegal mining and the importance of obeying government policies. Onyah and Eze reminded workers that illegal mining not only damages the environment but also undermines government efforts to regulate the sector and generate revenue for infrastructural development.

While addressing the challenges faced by miners, Onyah praised Governor Soludo’s administration for its commitment to improving infrastructure in Anambra State. He particularly commended the ongoing construction and rehabilitation of several link roads across different communities, noting that better road networks enhance the efficiency of mining operations and transportation of materials. He pledged the union’s support for the government’s development agenda, adding that miners stand to benefit significantly from these improvements.

Onyah further urged union members to demonstrate discipline and professionalism in their operations, as this would strengthen the relationship between the mining community and the state government. He highlighted the need for miners to act as partners in progress by contributing to the state’s growth while adhering to laws and environmental standards.

The union leader also called for stronger collaboration between the government and stakeholders in the mining sector. He suggested regular engagements and consultations to address issues facing miners, such as excessive taxation, poor access to government-approved mining pits, and insufficient welfare support for workers. According to him, open dialogue would create a win-win situation where the government can generate revenue while miners can work under favourable conditions.

Onyah concluded the sensitisation exercise by urging members to take the union’s directives seriously and avoid illegal operations at all costs. He assured members that the NUMW would continue advocating for their welfare and addressing their concerns with relevant government authorities. At the same time, he made it clear that the union would not tolerate any member found violating state regulations or engaging in activities that bring disrepute to the organisation.

The sensitisation campaign served as a crucial platform to bridge the gap between workers, union leadership, and the government. By prioritising awareness and compliance, the NUMW aims to promote safer and more sustainable mining practices in Anambra State. Moving forward, the union remains committed to supporting the state government’s efforts to regulate the mining sector while advocating for fair treatment and economic relief for its members.

Through these efforts, the NUMW hopes to foster a more collaborative relationship with the state government, ensuring that both workers and the broader Anambra community benefit from lawful and regulated mining activities.

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