By Awwal Umar Kontagora In a bid to strengthen legal and operational structures at the grassroots, the Nigeria Union of Mine Workers (NUMW...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
In a bid to strengthen legal and operational structures at the grassroots, the Nigeria Union of Mine Workers (NUMW) has presented its certificate of incorporation and constitution to newly sworn-in union leaders in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
The handover ceremony, held months after the swearing-in of the Shiroro LGA union executives on February 12, marked the official commencement of their administrative duties.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Union in Niger State, Comrade Musa Adamu Nasko, said the formal inauguration of local government leaders would enhance the union’s capacity to verify and regulate legitimate mining operations in the area.
“If the union at the local level is functional and proactive, it becomes easier for us at the state level to address emerging issues. Today’s event in Shiroro is a testament to the local government's commitment and understanding with NUMW. There is clear cooperation between union leaders and the local council,” Nasko noted.
He emphasised that if Shiroro LGA, which often laments limited benefits from mining activities, collaborates effectively with NUMW, a framework can be established to generate much-needed revenue.
“I urge the newly inaugurated leaders to uphold justice and the fear of God. It is through fairness that they will earn the trust and respect of union members in their locality,” he added.
Also speaking, Comrade Ishaya Hassan Galadima, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Shiroro LGA, urged the new NUMW leaders to work closely with the NLC and maintain open channels with the union’s state chapter in resolving any challenges.
“You are now part of the larger labour movement in this local government. Together, we will work to ensure Shiroro, Niger State, and indeed the country, benefit from the mining industry here,” Galadima said.
Hon. Sanusi Sa’idu, Secretary to the Shiroro Local Government Council and representative of the council chairman, Hon. Akilu Kuta, also urged the union to support the local government’s efforts to boost internally generated revenue and address vagrancy, especially amid growing insecurity in the area.
“Shiroro is one of the most active mining local governments in the state, yet we see very little benefit. It is time to create channels through which the local government can harness revenue from these operations,” he said.
In his remarks, Comrade Abdul’aziz Mohammed She, Chairman of NUMW in Shiroro LGA, lamented the lack of support from the government despite fulfilling financial obligations.
“We remit dues collected from private companies and cooperatives under NUMW, but we do not receive any material support from the government. If Shiroro LGA can provide us with equipment—whether leased or subsidised—we are confident that we can generate more revenue than any other LGA in the state,” he stated.
He added that the absence of affordable and modern equipment is the biggest challenge facing the mining sector in Shiroro, forcing many operations to shut down due to high rental costs from foreign-owned machinery.
Abdul’aziz further called on union members to ensure they are officially registered before expecting any benefits.
“Membership comes with responsibility. No one will be recognised or supported without being properly registered with NUMW,” he said.
He concluded by urging fellow union leaders to cooperate and work as a team to confront any challenges ahead.
“We must protect the dignity of this profession through legality and unity. That is how we will advance ourselves, our local government, and Niger State as a whole.”
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