The Senate has directed its Committee on Solid Minerals to investigate the recent rockslide that killed 30 miners in Niger State. The committee must determine the cause of the incident and accelerate the passage of the Mine Ranger Bill.
The Senate also observed a minute of silence for the victims and commended the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, for his prompt response. The Senate urged the federal government to implement strict safety measures and regulations on mining activities, in line with international best practices, and to deploy security personnel to mining communities to prevent further incidents.
The Senate’s resolutions follow a motion sponsored by Senator Sani Musa (APC-Niger East), who noted that the incident highlights the need for comprehensive action to address the dangers faced by local miners across the country. The Senate’s investigation aims to ensure that mining activities are conducted safely and legally to prevent future tragedies.