The Senate on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to establish a comprehensive compensation scheme for mining workers following the July 14 coal mine landslide in Kogi State that claimed 20 lives.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Jibrin Isah (APC, Kogi) during plenary.
Moving the motion, Isah said unsafe coal mining activities in Ankpa Local Government Area and other coal-producing communities in Kogi State had created growing safety, environmental and humanitarian concerns.
He noted that coal mining remains a major source of livelihood in Enjema, Okaba and Ikah communities in Ankpa LGA, as well as parts of Omala and Olamaboro LGAs, all within the Ankpa coal block of the Anambra Basin.
According to the lawmaker, the area’s geological composition, which includes laterite, loose sandstone, mudstone, clay, shale and unconsolidated sediments, makes mining sites highly vulnerable to subsidence, landslides and ground failure.
He recalled that a major landslide occurred on July 14 at Alufele in Enjema District, trapping artisanal and small-scale miners underground, while several trucks reportedly sank into mining pits during loading operations.
The incident, he said, resulted in the deaths of 20 miners and left several others injured.
Isah blamed the recurring accidents on unsafe mining practices, particularly the widespread use of the room-and-pillar mining method without adequate structural reinforcement.
He further expressed concern that many miners work without written employment contracts, health insurance, life insurance or occupational hazard cover, leaving victims and their families without compensation in the event of fatal accidents.
“The continued occurrence of mine collapses threatens lives, degrades the environment and underscores the need for urgent legislative and executive intervention,” he said.
Seconding the motion, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno) described fatal mining accidents as a recurring challenge across Nigeria’s mining communities.
“The issue of mining collapse has become a recurring decimal with the attendant effects of deaths, injuries and other consequences for miners across the country.
The only lasting solution is to strengthen laws and regulations governing mining operations in Nigeria,” Monguno said.
Following deliberations, the Senate urged the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, particularly its Department of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining, to conduct a nationwide audit of licensed miners to strengthen monitoring and regulatory compliance.
The upper chamber also called on the Federal Government to establish a mining workers’ compensation scheme funded through mandatory contributions from licensed mining operators to provide coverage for occupational injuries, permanent disabilities, occupational diseases and deaths arising from mining activities.
It further directed its Committee on Solid Minerals Development to draft legislation establishing the proposed compensation scheme.
The Senate also urged the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, to develop compulsory occupational accident insurance for all categories of miners, including artisanal and small-scale miners operating under recognised cooperatives or community mining arrangements.
In addition, lawmakers called for the establishment of a Mining Rehabilitation and Victims Support Fund to provide emergency medical treatment, rehabilitation, compensation and educational support for children of deceased miners, as well as assistance to affected families.
The Senate mandated its Committees on Solid Minerals Development, Environment, Labour and Employment, and Health to interface with relevant ministries, departments and agencies and report back to the chamber within six weeks.
The chamber concluded proceedings on the motion by observing a minute’s silence in honour of the victims of the July 14 mining disaster.
