By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Nigeria Union of Mine Workers (NUMW) has thrown its weight behind the Niger State Government’s efforts to stre...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Nigeria Union of Mine Workers (NUMW) has thrown its weight behind the Niger State Government’s efforts to strengthen revenue generation and eliminate leakages in the solid minerals sector.
The pledge was made by the State Chairman of the union, Comrade Musa Adamu Nasko, during a courtesy visit by state and local government executives of NUMW to the newly appointed Commissioner of the Ministry, Hon. Mohammed Kasim Danjuma.
Comrade Nasko described the ministry as the backbone of the mining industry and a critical institution for stakeholders whose livelihoods depend on the sector. He stressed that collective support for the ministry is essential for sustainable growth and the overall development of Niger State.
He commended the leadership style of the “Farmer Governor,” Governor Umar Mohammed Bago, noting that the administration is laying a solid foundation for economic renewal and institutional reforms across the state.
Expressing confidence in the new commissioner, Nasko said his appointment signals a fresh phase of reforms capable of significantly boosting internally generated revenue from mining activities. He assured the union’s readiness to work closely with the ministry to achieve shared development goals and contribute meaningfully to building a new Niger State.
Responding, Hon. Mohammed Kasim Danjuma welcomed the union’s support and assured NUMW of the ministry’s openness to collaboration.
The commissioner revealed that some firms previously engaged by the government to collect mining-related revenues were found to be under-remitting funds. As a result, their operations have been suspended pending investigations and the introduction of transparent revenue collection mechanisms.
“We have not dismissed them outright. They have been suspended while investigations and restructuring are ongoing. Any company found culpable will be sanctioned. Only integrity and transparency will qualify any firm to continue this work,” he said.
He warned that any company caught operating illegally during the suspension period would face the full force of the law.
Also speaking, Comrade Abubakar Idris, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Borgu Local Government Area and Acting Chairman of NUMW in Borgu, praised the commissioner’s vision and policy direction.
He said union members in Borgu LGA are ready to support government initiatives in the mining sector, provided they comply with national mining laws and regulations. He added that the state leadership of NUMW has shown commitment to protecting workers’ welfare and dignity.
The visit, attended by state and local government executives of the union, also featured discussions on security challenges and strategies to improve revenue collection in the mining sector.
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