The Senate vowed over the weekend to clear Nigeria’s mining sector of illegal and harmful activities that rob the federal government of billions in revenue. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Senator Sampson Ekong, affirmed the Senate’s commitment to establishing a safe and profitable mining sector during a visit with other committee members to Governor Sani Bago in Minna.
The committee’s visit to the Governor continued its investigation into a mining pit collapse in the state, which reportedly claimed about 30 lives. The committee aims to understand the causes and prevent similar tragedies. Senator Ekong led committee members, including Senators Diket Plang, Amos Yohanna, Professor Anthony Ani, Okechukwu Ezea, Sani Musa (who initially raised the issue), and Committee Clerk Paul Kapnam. Ekong expressed frustration that unauthorized mining activities continue to prevent the federal and state governments from reaping the full benefits of Nigeria’s potentially multi-billion-dollar mineral sector. He highlighted that illegal mining practices threaten the sector’s development, citing crude techniques, environmental damage, and unregulated operations with little regard for safety standards.
Senator Ekong, representing Akwa Ibom South, explained the purpose of the visit: “Your Excellency, I extend my heartfelt condolences to you and the people of Niger State for the tragic collapse of a mining site in Shiroro on Monday, June 3, 2024, which led to several fatalities. Our thoughts and prayers remain with you and the affected families.”
He continued, “Today’s visit responds to the Senate’s mandate for an on-site investigation into the Shiroro tragedy, to determine its root causes, engage stakeholders, and prevent similar incidents in the future. We aim to chart a path for sustainable sector development and report our findings to the Senate for further legislative action.”
He recounted the sorrow that gripped the nation on June 3, 2024, after the mining pit collapse in Galadima-Kogo village in Shiroro Local Government Area, which left many families grieving and displaced. Senator Ekong commended Senator Sani Musa, who represents Niger East, for quickly alerting the Senate to the disaster during plenary.
The site, owned by African Minerals and Logistics Limited, is one of several recent mining tragedies. Ekong stressed that Nigeria’s projected multi-billion-dollar minerals sector is severely threatened by illegal practices, including unauthorized mining with primitive methods, environmental degradation, and unregulated operations that lack safety measures and industry standards.
He stated that the revenue potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, which could diversify the economy and boost the GDP. However, he lamented that illegal mining continues to cause significant daily losses for the country.
