By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Niger State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Mines Workers (NUMW) has sworn in 23 elected officials ...
The Niger State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Mines Workers (NUMW) has sworn in 23 elected officials as the new executive members of its Paikoro Local Government chapter.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the union's state secretariat in Minna, was attended by the Dagacin Yamman Paiko, Alhaji Abdullahi Bawa, security personnel, and union leaders from various local government chapters. The event was led by the Acting Chairman of the union in Borgu Local Government Area, Comrade Habu Idi, alongside other state union officials.
Administering the oath of office was Barrister Fatima Enegi, after which the State Chairman and Assistant National Treasurer of the union, Comrade Musa Adamu Nasko, charged the newly elected executives to promote unity among members and work towards the sustainable development of the mining sector in Paikoro Local Government Area.
Comrade Nasko urged the new leaders to uphold the constitution of the union and operate strictly within the provisions of the law. He stressed that the union would not intervene on behalf of any individual arrested for engaging in illegal mining activities.
According to him, NUMW is an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and is duly registered under Nigeria's labour laws. He warned members against operating outside legally recognised mining frameworks or engaging underage persons in mining activities.
The state chairman also encouraged the newly inaugurated executives to put past disagreements behind them and work together for the collective interest of the union. He called on them to continue the ongoing membership data capture exercise, describing it as a nationwide initiative being implemented by the national leadership of the union.
He explained that the exercise would strengthen the union's database and make future administrative processes more efficient, noting that elected executives are expected to serve a four-year tenure under the union's constitution.
Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated executives, the Chairman of the Paikoro chapter, Alhaji Yakubu Musa, expressed appreciation to the state leadership for conducting a successful election despite previous challenges.
He pledged to lead in accordance with the union's constitution and the laws governing mining activities, noting that all elected officials had been provided with copies of the union's constitution and operational guidelines.
Alhaji Yakubu called on members to remain united and support the new leadership in advancing responsible mining practices in Paikoro Local Government Area.
"By the grace of God, if we work together, Paikoro will become a model for mining development in Niger State within the next four years," he said.
Also speaking, the newly elected Women Leader of the Paikoro chapter, Hulera Sani Ibrahim, reaffirmed the important role women play in the mining sector. She said she would use her office to encourage more women to participate in legitimate mining activities and take advantage of available opportunities.
According to her, mining has become a vital source of livelihood for many women, enabling them to support their families, contribute to household income, and provide for their children's education and other essential needs.
The Vice Chairman of the chapter, Alhaji Haruna Tanko, appealed to contestants who were unsuccessful in the election to accept the outcome in good faith and support the new leadership.
He said the new executive would work closely with the state leadership of the union, security agencies, and traditional institutions to promote peace, strengthen compliance with mining regulations, and address challenges that had previously affected mining activities in Paikoro Local Government Area.
He noted that many of the past conflicts between miners and security agencies were largely caused by the absence of organised leadership and inadequate knowledge of mining laws, expressing confidence that the new leadership would help foster a more peaceful and well-regulated mining environment.
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