By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Niger State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Mine Workers (NUMW) has announced plans to update its m...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Niger State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Mine Workers (NUMW) has announced plans to update its membership register across the state in line with the Niger State Government’s efforts to strengthen security within the mining sector.
The State Chairman of the union, Comrade Musa Adamu Nasko, disclosed this while speaking to journalists on the union’s response to the government's directive regarding the registration of miners in the state.
According to him, the Niger State Ministry of Mineral Resources had issued a notice directing the registration of all miners operating in the state.
"After receiving the notification, we explained that the ministry does not have the legal authority to register miners under existing mining laws. However, in view of the government's security concerns, we assured the ministry that the union would update its membership register and introduce additional security measures," he said.
Comrade Nasko revealed that the union would convene a general meeting on the 10th of this month, bringing together members from all 25 local government areas of the state to sensitise them on the government's policy and the objectives of the registration exercise.
He explained that under the new system, every miner seeking registration must possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN) and provide a guarantor or trustee before being enrolled.
He further stated that a monitoring committee and a task force would be established to oversee the exercise and ensure compliance, with support from security agencies.
"We want to ensure that the process is carried out properly. Once members comply with the registration requirements, any issues arising thereafter will no longer be the responsibility of the union," he added.
The union chairman stressed that all elected local government executives and those serving in acting capacities must attend the forthcoming meeting, noting that they would be adequately equipped to commence the registration exercise immediately.
On the timeline for the completion of the exercise, Comrade Nasko said further details would be communicated to members before the general meeting, where comprehensive guidelines would be provided.
He also commended the Commissioner for Mineral Resources for his support and willingness to consider the union's recommendations.
"We appreciate the commissioner for working closely with us and accepting our suggestions. We remain committed to cooperating with the ministry as long as all actions are carried out in accordance with the law," he said.
.jpeg)
No comments