The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday, 22nd , July 2026, turned its attention to the devastating coal mining tragedy in Kogi State as Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho (APC, Kogi East) called for urgent federal intervention following the death of about 20 miners in a landslide at a coal mining site in Enjema District of Ankpa Local Government Area.
Rising under Orders 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Rules, Senator Echocho informed the Red Chamber that the tragic incident, which occurred on July 14, claimed the lives of scores of his constituents who were engaged in artisanal mining activities, while several others sustained injuries and heavy-duty trucks were swallowed by the collapsed mining pit.
The lawmaker described the incident as a national tragedy that has exposed the dangerous realities confronting thousands of Nigerians who earn their living in the country’s mining sector without adequate protection, insurance or enforceable safety standards.
Echocho lamented that many artisanal and small-scale miners operate without employment contracts, health insurance, life insurance or occupational hazard cover, leaving bereaved families with no compensation or social protection whenever disasters occur.
He further observed that unsafe mining practices, weak regulatory enforcement and the absence of concrete safeguards have continued to expose miners to avoidable deaths, despite the strategic importance of the solid minerals sector to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
In his motion, the Kogi East senator urged the Senate to take decisive legislative action to prevent future mining disasters and provide relief for affected families.
Following extensive deliberations, the Senate adopted the prayers of the motion and resolved to:
*Urge the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to carry out a comprehensive nationwide audit of licensed mining operators and strengthen regulatory oversight to ensure strict compliance with safety standards.
*Call on the Federal Government to establish a statutory Mining Workers’ Compensation Scheme, funded through mandatory contributions by licensed mining operators, to compensate victims of occupational injuries, disabilities and deaths arising from mining activities.
*Establish a Mine Rehabilitation and Victims Support Fund to provide emergency medical care, rehabilitation, financial compensation, educational support for children of deceased miners and livelihood assistance to affected families.
*Direct the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, to develop and enforce compulsory occupational accident insurance for all categories of miners, including artisanal and small-scale miners operating under recognised cooperatives.
*Mandate the Senate 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 to the Senate within six weeks.
*Observe a minute’s silence in honour of the victims of the Enjema mining disaster.
The Senate noted that repeated mine collapses and landslides have become a serious threat to lives, host communities and the environment, stressing that Nigeria can only reap the benefits of its vast mineral resources if mining activities are conducted under strict safety regulations that place the welfare of workers above profit.
