Reported by: Puis Althea | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Senate has directed the Federal Government to conduct a comprehensive audit of all licensed miners and their areas of operation nationwide, while also calling for the establishment of a statutory Mining Workers' Compensation Scheme funded through mandatory contributions by mining operators, following the tragic coal mine collapse in Kogi State that claimed at least 20 lives on July 14, 2026. The resolutions were passed on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, after the Senate considered a motion titled "Urgent Need to Address the Escalating Safety Risks, Environmental Hazards and Humanitarian Concerns Arising from Unsafe Coal Mining Activities in Ankpa and Other Coal-Bearing Communities in Kogi State."
The disaster occurred at Alufele in Enjema District, within the Ankpa coal mining area of Kogi State, when a significant ground failure and landslide trapped artisanal and small-scale miners underground while several trucks reportedly sank into mining pits during loading operations. The incident exposed the extremely hazardous conditions under which mining activities are presently conducted in the area. The senator who sponsored the motion noted that coal mining remains a major economic activity in Enjema, Okaba and Ikah communities in Ankpa LGA, as well as parts of Omala and Olamaboro LGAs, which form part of the Ankpa Coal Block of the Anambra Basin. He warned that the geological composition of the area, including laterite, loose sandstone, mudstone, clay, shale and unconsolidated sediments, makes the terrain highly susceptible to subsidence, landslides and ground failure, especially under heavy mechanical pressure.
The Senate expressed grave concern that many miners operate without written employment contracts, social security protection, health insurance, life insurance or occupational hazard insurance, leaving victims and their families without any financial support after accidents. The Senate was informed that the widespread use of the room-and-pillar mining method without adequate structural reinforcement using timber, steel or concrete supports had substantially increased the risk of mine collapses and fatal accidents. It was warned that unless immediate corrective measures are implemented, the unstable geological conditions and unsafe mining practices in the Ankpa Coal Block may result in recurring mine collapses, multiple fatalities, extensive environmental degradation and destruction of valuable mining assets.
The Senate resolved to urge the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, particularly its artisanal and small-scale mining department, to conduct an audit of licensed miners and their operations nationwide to strengthen monitoring and regulation of mining activities. The upper chamber also called for the establishment of a statutory Mining Workers' Compensation Scheme funded through mandatory contributions by licensed mining operators to provide compensation for occupational injuries, permanent disabilities, occupational diseases and deaths arising from mining activities. In addition, the Senate urged the National Insurance Commission, 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 mining cooperatives or community mining arrangements.
The Senate further called for the establishment of a Mine Rehabilitation and Victims Support Fund to provide emergency medical treatment, rehabilitation and compensation for injured miners, educational support for children of deceased miners, and livelihood assistance for affected families. The lawmakers mandated their Committees on Solid Minerals Development; Environment; Labour, Employment and Productivity; and Health to engage relevant ministries, departments and agencies on the implementation of the resolutions and report back within six weeks. The chamber observed a minute of silence in honour of the victims of the July 14, 2026, landslide. The Senate also directed its Committee on Solid Minerals Development to draft legislation establishing the proposed compensation scheme, signalling a legislative push that could fundamentally reshape the legal landscape for Nigeria's mining sector.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments