By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Nigeria Union of Mines Workers (NUMW) has elected new national officers, with the Niger State Chairm...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Nigeria Union of Mines Workers (NUMW) has elected new national officers, with the Niger State Chairman of the union, Comrade Musa Adamu Nasko, emerging as the National President after securing 60 votes.
Nasko defeated his challenger, Comrade Yusuf Osaba Ate, who polled 45 votes in the election held at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) meeting hall in Abuja.
The election was conducted by delegates representing members from various states across the country. According to the information provided, approximately 114 delegates participated in the exercise.
Comrade Alhaji Ndagi, the union’s Financial Secretary in Niger State, was also elected National Publicity Secretary (PRO).
Speaking to journalists after the election, the outgoing National President, Comrade Hamza Mohammed, said the exercise was conducted in accordance with the union’s rules and that the candidates were satisfied with the outcome.
He urged the newly elected leaders to unite and work collectively to address the challenges facing the union.
“I am calling, especially on those who have won this election, to unite and ensure that they move the union forward. There are many problems, and we must be united and face them together to achieve the desired success,” he said.
Mohammed encouraged the incoming leadership to remain courageous, adding that the outgoing officers were ready to offer guidance and support whenever necessary.
He also highlighted the union’s achievements, stating that it had established a presence in 30 states of the federation. He further recalled the union’s legal battles in southern states, including a case that he said was taken to the Supreme Court and won.
Defeated Candidate Accepts Outcome
Comrade Yusuf Osaba Ate, who came second in the presidential contest, said he had accepted the election result in good faith.
He described elections as unpredictable and said he had entrusted the process to God from the beginning.
“I will advise my fellow comrade, the newly elected National President, Comrade Musa Adamu Nasko, who is determined to ensure the necessary development, and I call on my supporters to support him as they supported me during the election campaign,” Ate said.
He added that all members shared a common goal of developing the union, regardless of the outcome of the contest.
Nasko Promises Unity and Financial Sustainability
In his remarks, the newly elected National President, Comrade Musa Adamu Nasko, commended members for their cooperation and for conducting the election peacefully.
He described his victory as a collective achievement rather than a personal success.
Nasko said one of his priorities would be to explore sustainable sources of revenue to strengthen the union’s financial capacity and enable it to operate at a level comparable to that of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
He noted that Nigeria’s mineral resources, if properly managed, could make a significant contribution to the country’s economic development and position the mining sector more prominently in the global market.
The new president stressed that unity and collective effort would be essential to achieving the union’s objectives.
He also said outgoing leaders would continue to have roles to play in the union, adding that their experience and contributions would remain valuable to the new administration.
Nasko further pledged to address challenges affecting state chapters and work towards resolving disputes that had weakened their relationship with the national leadership.
Veteran Miner Calls for Wider Membership
Speaking at the event, Alhaji Umaru Babuga, a veteran in the mining industry, described NUMW as a recognised trade union affiliated with the Nigeria Labour Congress.
He called on miners across the country to register with the union, saying it provided a platform through which workers could seek protection of their rights and interests.
Babuga, who said he had worked with Nasko for many years, praised his commitment and efforts and urged him to remain determined in leading the union towards greater development.
No comments