The proposed intervention followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Isah Jibrin (Kogi East), who called for immediate federal action to address unsafe mining practices, environmental risks and the humanitarian challenges facing coal mining communities in the state.
Presenting the motion under Orders 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Orders, Senator Jibrin highlighted the worsening safety conditions in coal mining communities of Enjema, Okaba and Ikah in Ankpa Local Government Area, as well as parts of Omala and Olamaboro Local Government Areas within the Ankpa Coal Block of the Anambra Basin.
He explained that although coal mining remains a major source of livelihood in the area, the fragile geological nature of the deposits—comprising loose sandstone, clay, shale, mudstone and unconsolidated sediments—makes the terrain susceptible to landslides, subsidence and ground failure, particularly during heavy mining operations.
The senator recalled that on July 14, 2026, a major landslide struck the Alufele mining site in Enjema District, trapping artisanal and small-scale miners underground while several trucks reportedly sank into mining pits during loading operations. The incident, he said, resulted in the deaths of about 20 miners and left several others injured.
Senator Jibrin blamed the recurring accidents on unsafe mining methods, especially the widespread use of the room-and-pillar mining system without adequate structural support such as timber, steel or concrete reinforcements. He also faulted the location of heavy-duty loading points close to unstable mining pits, warning that the practice significantly increases the risk of mine collapse.
The lawmaker further expressed concern over the welfare of artisanal miners, noting that many work without formal employment contracts, health insurance, life insurance, social security or occupational hazard coverage. As a result, families of miners who die or suffer permanent disabilities are often left without compensation or any form of financial support.
He stressed that the absence of enforceable compensation mechanisms places the burden of industrial accidents entirely on vulnerable families despite the enormous economic value generated from the nation's mineral resources.
Drawing from international best practices, Senator Jibrin advocated compulsory workers' compensation and occupational health insurance schemes to guarantee medical care, rehabilitation, disability benefits and financial support for miners and their dependants.
To address the challenges, the senator urged the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, through its Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Department, to conduct a nationwide audit of licensed mining operators to strengthen regulatory oversight.
He also proposed the establishment of a statutory Mining Workers' Compensation Scheme funded through mandatory contributions from licensed mining operators to cater for occupational injuries, permanent disabilities, occupational diseases and deaths arising from mining activities.
In addition, he called on the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, to develop compulsory occupational accident insurance for all categories of miners, including artisanal and small-scale miners operating under recognised cooperatives and community mining arrangements.
