The Senate has called for stricter safety regulations in Nigeria’s mining sector following a deadly landslide at a coal mining site in Kogi State that claimed the lives of 20 workers.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Isah Jibrin, who represents Kogi East, during Wednesday’s plenary session.
Leading the debate, Jibrin described unsafe mining practices in Ankpa Local Government Area and other coal-producing communities in Kogi as a growing threat to lives, the environment and public safety.
He recalled that the July 14, 2026 landslide in Alufele, Enjema District, trapped artisanal and small-scale miners underground, while several trucks reportedly sank into mining pits during loading operations.
According to him, the tragedy exposed the dangerous conditions under which many miners operate.
Jibrin blamed the frequent use of the room-and-pillar mining method without adequate structural reinforcement for increasing the risk of mine collapses and fatal accidents.
He also expressed concern that many miners work without employment contracts, health insurance, life insurance or occupational hazard coverage, leaving victims and their families without protection when disasters occur.
“Unless immediate corrective measures are implemented, the unstable geological conditions and unsafe mining practices may result in recurring mine collapses and multiple fatalities,” he warned.
Following the debate, the Senate urged the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to conduct a nationwide audit of licensed miners and strengthen monitoring of mining operations.
Lawmakers also called on the Federal Government to establish a statutory mining workers’ compensation scheme, funded through mandatory contributions from licensed mining operators, to provide compensation for injuries, disabilities, occupational diseases and deaths linked to mining activities.
The Senate further directed its Committee on Solid Minerals Development to draft legislation establishing the proposed compensation scheme.
It also urged the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, to introduce compulsory occupational accident insurance for all categories of miners, including artisanal and small-scale miners.
In addition, lawmakers recommended the creation of a Mine Rehabilitation and Victims Support Fund to provide emergency medical care, compensation, educational support for the children of deceased miners and financial assistance to affected families.
The Senate mandated its relevant committees to engage government agencies on implementing the resolutions and report back within six weeks.
Lawmakers also observed a minute of silence in honour of the 20 victims of the Kogi mining disaster.
During the debate, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno supported the motion but urged lawmakers to convert the proposals into a bill that would create enforceable mining safety laws rather than relying solely on resolutions.
