FG donates N50m to victims of collapsed mine in Niger

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has donated N50 million to assist the victims and families of the recent mine pit collapse in Galkogo village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

The minister who was in Niger state yesterday also paid a visit to the victims who had been rescued and receiving treatment at the Ibrahim Babangida Specialist Hospital, Minna.

The minister who said he was representing President Bola Tinubu during a condolence visit to Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago conveyed the President’s sympathies over the incident saying that the federal government will enforce insurance policies for miners across the country.

“I bring the condolences and sympathies of Mr. President to the families of victims, those injured, the entire community, and the government and people of Niger state on the mine pit collapse. It is unfortunate and avoidable. Though we learned the disaster was due to heavy downpour, we are committed to intensifying the monitoring of mining operations to ensure conformity to environmental standards,” Alake stated.

The minister commended the state government for swiftly mobilising emergency rescue operations in collaboration with federal agencies, stressing that all efforts must be made to rescue those still trapped.

He also emphasized the federal government’s stance that remediation plans must accompany mining license applications, stating that irresponsible mining operations posing threats to the environment and communities will no longer be tolerated.

Source: The Nation