NOA demands safety standards after Plateau mining killing

By Abubakar Yunusa

The National Orientation Agency has called for an urgent enforcement of safety standards in Nigeria’s mining sector following the death of over 35 miners in Plateau State.

The miners reportedly lost their lives in a tragic accident at Kanpani Zurak in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Describing the incident as avoidable and unacceptable, the agency said lax compliance with safety regulations must no longer be tolerated.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Deputy Director, Communication and Media, Paul Odenyi, the agency quoted its Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, as condemning the tragedy in strong terms.

Issa-Onilu said it was completely unacceptable that such an incident could occur in a modern society, stressing that strict adherence to safety rules must be made a top priority to safeguard lives and protect critical national infrastructure.

He urged relevant authorities and stakeholders in the mining industry to intensify routine inspections and strengthen monitoring mechanisms across mining sites nationwide.

According to him, the dangers of unauthorised mining and substandard safety practices far outweigh any perceived economic gains, warning that reckless operations often lead to devastating consequences, including explosions and infernos.

The Director-General also called on Nigerians to collectively reject actions that have repeatedly resulted in mass casualties and national trauma, insisting that such disasters are entirely preventable.

“We mourn the loss of our compatriots in the mining community and extend our deepest condolences to the grieving families. We stand in solidarity with them, with the state, and with Nigeria as a whole,” he stated.