By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Nigeria Union of Mine Workers (NUMW) has formally handed over the union’s rules and regulations to its Magama ...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Nigeria Union of Mine Workers (NUMW) has formally handed over the union’s rules and regulations to its Magama Local Government Area unit through its representative, Comrade Usman Bashar.
Speaking to journalists during the handover ceremony held at the union's state secretariat in Minna on Saturday, the Niger State Chairman of NUMW, Comrade Musa Adamu Nasko, said the Magama unit had not commenced operations since its inauguration due to the absence of an official schedule and work plan.
“Since the unit was inaugurated in Magama, they have not started working because there was no approved time and schedule. But after thorough planning in line with the union's rules, we have now completed everything and handed over the responsibilities to the workers,” he stated.
Comrade Nasko urged the members to strictly adhere to the union’s rules and uphold the integrity of the organization while complying with national laws. He also called on union leaders to collaborate with government and security agencies to sanitize mining operations in their respective areas.
“The state government has provided an enabling environment for us to operate without interference. The arrangements given to us are in line with national laws, and we have accepted them wholeheartedly. Every member must ensure that dues to both the government and the union are paid promptly, and work hand-in-hand with security agencies to tackle any obstacles to our activities,” he added.
In his remarks, Comrade Usman Bashar Magama commended the state chapter of the union for its support and advocacy on behalf of members.
“Today, we have officially adopted the union’s operational procedures, and we will ensure strict compliance. I call on all elected members of our unit—being part of the mother union in the state—to support me in making Magama LGA a model of clean and lawful mining practices,” he said.
He further called on other mining associations and organizations to see NUMW not as a rival, but as a partner in progress. “We must work together without interference or conflict,” he emphasized.
Comrade Usman also appealed to union members in Magama to remain cooperative and committed, assuring them of the leadership’s readiness to defend their interests and address any challenges they may face.
Also speaking, Alhaji Yahaya Anfani, the union’s State Auditor and a native of Magama, urged other LGAs including Borgu, Agwara, and Mashegu to emulate Magama by concluding their setups swiftly.
“As a union, we are committed to aligning with the state government's guidelines to clean up the mining industry in Niger State. We will not tolerate any breach of these laws. The government has empowered us to enforce compliance, and we will do so diligently,” he said.
He also commended security agencies for their continued cooperation in efforts to regulate mining activities across the state.
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