Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s mining sector following the tragic collapse of a gold mining pit in Kadauri, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, which left scores of miners dead or trapped.
The charge comes on the heels of the recent gold mining pit collapse which claimed the lives of over 100 persons in Jabaka village, Kadauri, Zamfara State.
Reacting, Atiku described the incident as a “devastating loss” that exposes the dangers of weak regulation in artisanal and small-scale mining.
He stressed that the collapse highlights the urgent need for stronger safety enforcement and proper oversight of mining operations across the country.
“This disaster underscores, yet again, the urgent need for Nigeria to confront the underlying failures in enforcement, regulation, and oversight in the mining sector, especially in artisanal and small-scale mining, where workers are often exposed to life-threatening hazards without adequate safety measures,” Atiku said.
The former Vice President commiserated with the victims’ families and communities, noting that their grief reflects a national tragedy.
“First and foremost, I extend my deepest condolences to the families and communities affected by this tragic event. Your pain is our pain. We mourn with you, and we pray for strength and solace in this dark hour,” he added.
Atiku also commended the rescue teams and medical personnel battling difficult conditions at the site, urging that all resources be mobilized to save lives.
“I commend the valiant rescue teams, local volunteers, and medical personnel who are working tirelessly under difficult and dangerous conditions to recover survivors and provide care to the injured. May God grant them safety and success in their efforts,” he said.
With artisanal mining serving as both an economic lifeline and a regulatory challenge, Atiku warned that the sector cannot remain unstructured if Nigeria hopes to safeguard workers and maximize mineral revenues.
He called for stricter monitoring, training, and provision of protective equipment for miners, alongside stronger health, safety, and environmental standards.
“There’s an urgent need for stricter monitoring and regulation of mining activities, particularly in areas dominated by artisanal operations. Nigeria must strengthen health, safety, and environmental standards while also ensuring that miners receive proper training, equipment, and support to reduce risks,” he stressed.
He further urged the federal and Zamfara State governments, as well as the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, to collaborate urgently, not only to rescue those still trapped but also to reform the industry.
“The task at hand is to rescue those still trapped, provide immediate relief to victims and their families, and ensure that lessons are learnt to avert such tragedies,” Atiku said.
