Ebonyi plans task force to monitor mining companies’ compliance

In a resolution yesterday, the Senate called for an urgent overhaul of the country’s solid minerals sector following the deadly coal mine collapse in Kogi State that claimed about 20 lives.

Launching a scathing attack on Nigeria’s weak mining safety regime, the lawmakers warned that unless the federal government tightens regulation and enforces strict safety standards, more lives could be lost in preventable mining disasters nationwide.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Isah Jibrin (Kogi East), who drew the attention of the Red Chamber to the worsening safety, environmental, and humanitarian crises caused by unsafe coal mining activities in Ankpa, Omala, and Olamaboro Local Council Areas of Kogi State.

The Senate expressed profound grief over the July 14, 2026, landslide at Alufele in Enjema District, where scores of miners were trapped underground after a massive section of the mine caved in. The disaster reportedly claimed about 20 lives, left many others injured and sent several heavy-duty trucks into deep mining pits.

According to the Senate, the coal-rich communities of Enjema, Okaba and Ikah, located within the Ankpa Coal Block of the Anambra Basin, sit on fragile geological formations that are highly susceptible to landslides, subsidence and catastrophic ground failure.

However, the lawmakers blamed the growing number of accidents on unsafe mining methods, particularly the widespread use of the room-and-pillar system, without adequate structural reinforcement, inadequate regulatory oversight and poor compliance with established mining safety standards.

The Senate also decried what it described as the harsh conditions under which many artisanal and small-scale miners operate, noting that thousands work without formal employment contracts, health insurance, life insurance, or occupational hazard protection, leaving bereaved families with little or no compensation whenever tragedy strikes.

Raising broader concerns, senators warned that illegal and poorly regulated mining operations have continued to devastate host communities through environmental degradation, destruction of farmlands, pollution of water sources and loss of livelihoods, even as the nation seeks to position the solid minerals sector as a major driver of economic diversification.

Consequently, the Senate urged the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to immediately conduct a comprehensive nationwide audit of licensed mining operators and strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure full compliance with safety regulations.

The upper chamber also called on the federal government to establish a statutory Mining Workers’ Compensation Scheme and a Mine Rehabilitation and Victims Support Fund to guarantee prompt relief and compensation for victims of mining disasters and their families.

IN another development, the House of Representatives has launched an investigation into alleged financial misconduct, funding irregularities and operational lapses within the mining marshals, following claims that over N2 billion was traced to the bank account of a state commander of the security outfit.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Abdulmaleek Danga during plenary yesterday, seeking a comprehensive probe into the activities, legal framework, funding structure and alleged corrupt practices within the mining marshals.

He said the corps, comprising over 2,200 personnel drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), was established to combat illegal mining activities, secure mining sites and protect the nation’s mineral resources.
MEANWHILE, the Ebonyi State Government has said that it would set up a special task force to monitor the activities of mining companies in the state to ensure full compliance with all regulatory requirements.

The Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Mr Chinedu Nkah, disclosed this on Tuesday during a familiarisation tour of quarry and mining sites in Ishielu and Ohaukwu Local Council Areas of the state, adding that environmental Impact Assessment reports, Community Development Agreements and every statutory obligation will be closely monitored.

He noted that the task force will enforce stricter compliance with mining regulations, making it mandatory for mining and quarry companies operating in the state to reclaim abandoned mining pits, honour Community Development Agreements (CDAs), improve workers’ welfare and comply with environmental standards.

The inspection tour, undertaken alongside other senior officials, was aimed at assessing the operations of mining companies, evaluating their compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and examining their relationships with host communities.