The Nigeria Union of Mine Workers (NUMW) has urged the expansion of the independent investigative committee probing the death of 37 artisanal miners in Niger State. The union, while commending the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for setting up the 10-member committee, seeks the inclusion of representatives from organised labour, the Niger State Government, and civil society organisations. This demand aims to ensure the investigation commands the confidence of workers, affected communities, and the public.
NUMW's National President, Comrade Hamza Muhammad, signed a statement outlining the union's demands for a more inclusive committee. The proposed expansion would involve representatives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), NUMW's national and Niger State councils, and the Niger State Ministries of Solid Minerals and Health. Additionally, the union suggests including traditional rulers, youth and community leaders, medical professionals, and a reputable civil society organisation from Niger State.
The union expressed concern that the current committee composition does not include the direct workers' union of the deceased miners. NUMW emphasised that the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) represents mine owners, not mine workers. The deceased were workers and members of NUMW, highlighting the need for their union's participation in the investigation. The NLC, NUMW national leadership, and the Niger State Council are requested to be part of the committee.
NUMW also requested the involvement of local stakeholders, including the Etsu Nupe, the Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, and traditional institutions in Minna and Kagara. Community and youth leaders from the areas where the victims originated should also be represented on the committee. This inclusion would ensure that the investigation reflects the concerns and interests of the affected communities.
On the medical aspect of the investigation, NUMW suggested the inclusion of the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Niger State Chapter, and a Niger State-based pathologist. The union also proposed a representative of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Minna Branch, and a reputable NGO or human rights organisation from Niger State to ensure a comprehensive and transparent investigation.
The union commended the Minister for acting swiftly and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing a transparent investigation. The suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and 20 officers involved in the incident demonstrates the authorities' seriousness in addressing the issue. NUMW emphasised that it is not rejecting the committee but rather seeking to make it more inclusive, balanced, and acceptable to all stakeholders.
NUMW reiterated its commitment to cooperating fully with the investigation. The union stressed that justice must not only be done but also be seen to be done for the people of Shiroro, Munya, and Niger State. The expanded committee, as proposed by NUMW, aims to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into the deaths of the 37 artisanal miners.
Key points
- NUMW demands expansion of investigative committee to include representatives of organised labour and affected communities.
- The union seeks inclusion of medical professionals and civil society organisations in the probe panel.
- NUMW commends swift action by Minister and President, but seeks more inclusive investigation.
