On 16th July 2026, the Edo State chapter of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) organized a one day workshop on Ordinance and explosives, in collaboration with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the EOD department of the Edo State Police Command.
The mandatory safety workshop, aimed at promoting safety, security and professionalism of mining operations had in attendance Quarry managers, blasters, security agencies and other mine operators.
State chairman of MAN, Engr Fatai Jimoh emphasised the importance of safety, saying this is the backbone of any successful mining operation. He urged members to uphold professionalism.
Today is about learning proper way to handle explosives for our safety and the safety of the people close to us, Jimoh said.
Commander of the EOD of the Edo police command, TA Asah, who led the lecture, stated that mining operations must be done in compliance with all regulations.
He emphasised the importance of safe handling, storage and use of explosives. According to him, following proper safety procedure is essential to safety of lives and properties.
In his address to participants, Comrade Sunny Ifijen, secretary of Edo MAN, praised the collaboration between the the chapter, the EOD and the MSMD that led to the successful workshop.
He called Mines operators in the state to register their membership with the association to give legitimacy to their operations.
Saying part of the goals of the workshop was to ensure prevention of leakage of explosives to wrong hands, Ifijen said financial members of the Association are assured of support from both the state and national bodies of the Association.
Participants were thereafter presented with certificates of attendance.
Engr Shittu Wasiu, representing BUA Cement, who spoke on behalf of the participants, thanked Edo MAN for the opportunity. He said participants are ready to make use of the knowledge gained in their operations.
” The workshop will help us to reduce the accidents and incidents that occur at the sites as a result of the use of explosives,’ he said.
Engr Oluwole Tunbosun Clement, the Zonal Mining Officer (ZMO) for Edo State, spoke on the topic: “Safety is not an option —It is a Responsibility”.
He said: “Every blast that is carefully planned and professionally executed prevents a tragedy that can never be undone. Every safety procedure observed is a life protected.”
He informed the gathering that The Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, our principal legislation, places safety, environmental stewardship, and responsible mining at the very heart of mineral development.
The Act requires holders of mineral titles to conduct their operations responsibly, undertake environmental impact assessments where required, implement Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation Programmes, comply with health and safety regulations, and ensure that mining activities do not pose unacceptable risks to human life, property, or the environment.
It also provides clear obligations relating to accident reporting, environmental management, mine rehabilitation, and community engagement.
He further stated that the Explosives Act (Cap. E18, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004) exists for one overriding purpose—to ensure that explosives are manufactured, transported, stored, handled, and used in a manner that protects public safety.
The Act requires appropriate licensing for explosives magazines, regulates the movement and storage of explosives, and prescribes penalties for violations. It further requires that unused explosives be safely destroyed under approved conditions or returned to licensed storage facilities.
“Our responsibility is therefore not merely to use explosives effectively, but to use them safely, lawfully, and responsibly, he said.
‘Safety is not a slogan. It is the right thing to do and serves as the bedrock of sustainable operations.
“Let this zone become the benchmark for safe and responsible mining in Nigeria. Let investors associate this zone with professionalism. Let host communities see mining as a partner in development rather than a source of fear.
Let every operator become known not only for the minerals produced but also for the value placed on human life. That is the legacy worth building, “
