The Nasarawa State Government has launched a manhunt for illegal miners and mining companies accused of recruiting minors and underage workers for mining activities without adequate regard for industrial safety and workers’ welfare.
The Commissioner for Environment, Mining and Natural Resources, Margaret Elayo, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in her office, following reports of the deaths of young miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in neighbouring Niger State.
Elayo said the decision to intensify surveillance and enforcement in Nasarawa followed videos sent to her by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry showing underage persons allegedly engaged in mining activities in Wamba Local Government Area of the state.
According to the commissioner, the development was a warning that Nasarawa must learn from incidents occurring elsewhere and take proactive measures to prevent similar tragedies.
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She described illegal mining as unacceptable and extended her condolences to the Niger State Government over the reported deaths.
“Illegal mining is unacceptable regardless of who you are. Very, very unacceptable,” Elayo said, stressing that the state government had repeatedly raised concerns about unsafe and illegal mining practices.
The commissioner further disclosed that Governor Abdullahi Sule had consistently warned that Nasarawa’s abundant mineral resources must not be exploited by investors and middlemen at the expense of the environment and residents.
Elayo warned mining operators who violate the state’s regulations that the government would take decisive action against them.
She explained that some mining companies operating in the state allegedly possess licences only for prospecting, but proceed to conduct full-scale mining activities without the necessary approvals.
The commissioner said she had personally visited and shut down some mining sites after discovering unsafe practices and the presence of underage workers.
She urged mining operators to employ adults, provide appropriate training and ensure that workers are equipped with the necessary personal protective equipment before entering mining sites.
Elayo also accused some operators of prioritizing profit over the safety of workers and host communities, warning that such practices could result in serious consequences.
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She called on residents, community leaders and other stakeholders to report suspected cases of illegal mining and the employment of minors to the appropriate authorities.
According to her, failure to report illegal mining activities could expose individuals and communities to responsibility for allowing such activities to continue.
The commissioner reiterated the Nasarawa State Government’s commitment to protecting its mineral resources, the environment and the welfare of residents, while warning mining operators to comply with the law or face enforcement action.
