By Awwal Umar Kontagora The outgoing National President of the Nigeria Union of Mine Workers (NUMW), Comrade Hamza Mohammed, has...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The outgoing National President of the Nigeria Union of Mine Workers (NUMW), Comrade Hamza Mohammed, has pledged his full support for the incoming president, Comrade Musa Adamu Nasko, ahead of the formal transfer of leadership following the completion of his tenure.
Hamza made the pledge at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the union’s national headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, where members discussed preparations for the leadership transition and outlined priorities for the incoming administration.
According to the union’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ndagi Alhaji Ndagi, the outgoing president welcomed Nasko and other members of the newly constituted leadership at the meeting.
Hamza expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting him the opportunity to lead the union and prepare for a peaceful handover. He also prayed for divine guidance, wisdom and success for the incoming administration.
He emphasised the importance of unity, discipline and collective responsibility, noting that the success of the new leadership would depend on the support of members and the avoidance of internal divisions.
The outgoing president also cautioned against overlooking issues, regardless of their apparent significance, warning that unresolved matters could escalate and undermine the union’s progress. He urged the incoming leadership to prioritise members’ welfare and maintain open communication with stakeholders.
Stakeholder Engagement and Handover Plans
Ndagi said the meeting resolved to invite representatives of mining companies and quarry owners to a formal engagement to introduce the incoming president and seek their cooperation before further engagements with workers and management.
The stakeholders also proposed courtesy visits and meetings with key government institutions and labour leaders, including the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), the Special Marshal and the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
The engagements are intended to strengthen institutional relationships, facilitate the leadership transition and promote cooperation between the union and relevant stakeholders.
The meeting further discussed plans for a formal handover and introduction ceremony. However, the presentation of awards to stakeholders was deferred until the first anniversary of the new administration to allow adequate planning and avoid unnecessary financial pressure during its early months.
Financial Challenges and Collective Support
The stakeholders acknowledged the financial challenges facing the union during the transition, noting that the incoming president had assumed office with limited financial resources.
According to Ndagi, members pledged their collective support for the new administration and cautioned against placing undue financial pressure on the incoming leadership at the initial stage of its tenure.
The meeting stressed the need for responsible financial management and collective commitment to ensuring the union’s stability and effective administration.
Membership Data Management
The ongoing national membership data-capture exercise was another major issue discussed at the meeting.
Ndagi said the stakeholders agreed that the proposed membership management system should incorporate both state and national portals to ensure effective coordination and data management.
The meeting emphasised that a secure and well-organised membership database would improve the union’s ability to plan programmes, monitor its membership strength and represent mine workers effectively across the country.
It also stressed the need for appropriate security measures to protect members’ personal information and ensure that the state and national portals are properly linked for efficient data transmission and management.
The proposed system is expected to support accurate membership records, organisational planning and the overall administration of the union.
Commitment to the New Administration
The meeting provided an opportunity for the outgoing president to reaffirm his support for Nasko and discuss the immediate priorities of the incoming administration.
The stakeholders expressed their commitment to working collectively to strengthen the union, improve members’ welfare, expand partnerships with relevant government institutions and mining companies, and promote the sustainable development of Nigeria’s mining sector.
They also emphasised that implementing the resolutions would require effective coordination, transparent financial management and continuous engagement with members and other stakeholders.
Hamza reiterated his support for the incoming administration, stressing that the union belonged to all its members and that unity remained fundamental to sustainable progress.
Members present also affirmed their commitment to working together to advance the interests and welfare of mine workers under Nasko’s leadership.
Ndagi said the meeting ended in an atmosphere of mutual understanding, solidarity and renewed determination to strengthen the union and promote the welfare of mine workers across Nigeria.
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