The Senate on Wednesday launched an investigation into the coal mining disaster in Kogi State that claimed the lives of 20 workers, blaming unsafe mining practices and regulatory lapses for the tragedy.
The upper chamber also called for the establishment of a statutory compensation scheme and compulsory insurance for miners to protect workers and their families from future mining disasters.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Isah Jibrin (Kogi East) on the July 14 landslide in Alufele, Enjema District of Ankpa Local Government Area, where 20 artisanal miners lost their lives after a mining pit collapsed while trucks were loading coal.
Leading the debate, Jibrin described the incident as a tragic reminder of the dangerous conditions under which thousands of artisanal miners operate, despite coal mining remaining a major source of livelihood in Ankpa, Omala and Olamaboro local government areas.
He explained that the geological nature of the coal deposits, combined with unsafe mining methods and inadequate structural support, had increased the risk of landslides, cave-ins and fatal accidents in the area.
According to him, many miners work without employment contracts, health insurance, social security or occupational hazard protection, leaving victims and their families without compensation whenever disasters occur.
Concerned by the development, the Senate urged the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to carry out a comprehensive audit of licensed mining operators through its Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Department to strengthen compliance with safety regulations.
Lawmakers also called on the Federal Government to establish a Mining Workers’ Compensation Scheme, funded through mandatory contributions by licensed operators, to provide compensation for occupational injuries, disabilities and deaths.
The Senate further urged the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, to introduce compulsory occupational accident insurance for all miners, including artisanal operators working under cooperatives.
In addition, senators demanded the creation of a Mine Rehabilitation and Victims Support Fund to finance emergency medical treatment, rehabilitation, compensation for victims, educational support for children of deceased miners and livelihood assistance for affected families.
The Senate mandated its Committees on Solid Minerals Development, Environment, Labour and Employment, and Health to investigate the incident, engage relevant government agencies and submit their report within six weeks.
Lawmakers warned that unless urgent measures are taken to enforce mining safety standards and protect workers, fatal mining disasters would continue to claim lives across the country’s mineral-rich communities.
