By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Niger State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Mines Workers (NUMW) has officially inaugurated its lead...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Niger State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Mines Workers (NUMW) has officially inaugurated its leadership in Magama Local Government Area, marking a key step in strengthening grassroots union operations in the mining sector.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Anfani town and was conducted by the union’s legal adviser, Barrister Mahmud Muhammad. Nineteen officials, including one woman, were sworn in to lead the union in the local government area.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Niger State, Comrade Abdulkareem Lafene, represented by the NLC Chairman for Magama LGA, Comrade Umar Adamu Auna, emphasized that the NUMW is not a political organization but a legitimate partner of the labour movement.
He urged the newly inaugurated officials to operate in accordance with both NLC regulations and Nigerian mining laws to protect the rights and welfare of union members.
“No organization has the right to prevent you from working, especially since you’re backed by Nigerian law. The NLC stands ready to act against anyone who attempts to obstruct your work,” he said. “You must also find ways to generate revenue to support both the state chapter and the national union entrusted with this important responsibility.”
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Mineral Resources in Niger State, Hon. Garba Sale Auna—represented by the ministry’s Director of Works, Engineer Isyaku Wando—encouraged the new union leaders to uphold the laws of the federal and state governments.
He also called on union members to cooperate with the new leadership in promoting welfare, protecting workers’ rights, and ensuring responsible mining practices.
State NUMW Chairman, Comrade Musa Adamu Nasko, commended the support of the NLC and the Niger State Government. He credited the union’s recent achievements to strong cooperation between labour and government on reforming and sanitizing the mining sector in the state.
“As we have inaugurated the Magama LGA leaders today, other local governments will follow once they complete preparations for implementing the union’s strategic plans,” he said. “We will remain vigilant to ensure that all agreements between us and the state government are respected.”
In his acceptance speech, Comrade Bashir Usman, newly sworn-in Chairman of NUMW in Magama LGA, urged all miners seeking to benefit from the sector to register with the union for proper verification and documentation.
He pledged strict adherence to all applicable laws, especially those prohibiting the export of mining waste and by-products.
The union’s Women Leader in Magama LGA, Hajiya Maryam Ibrahim, pledged to continue advocating for the rights of women and girls in the mining industry. She emphasized the importance of empowering women economically through mining, noting its benefits in supporting families.
“We’ve been in this trade for years. Mining has given us financial independence and the means to support our children and husbands,” she said.
Malam Musa Tela Anfani, a respected elder in the union who played a key role in forming the local leadership, expressed confidence in the newly elected officials.
“These are trustworthy young people who understand the hardships of mining. As elders, we will monitor their progress and offer guidance for the development of mining in Magama,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by state-level NUMW leaders, local stakeholders, and supporters of the union.
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