The Nigeria Union of Mine Workers (NUMW) has called for a strategic partnership with the Federal Government to establish a National Mining Skills and Workers’ Database Centre, aimed at supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for value addition in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development in Abuja, the union commended President Tinubu’s remarks at the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS 2026), where he emphasised that Africa must stop exporting raw materials and instead build local capacity for processing, manufacturing, and industrial growth.
The union described the President’s statement as a strong call to action, noting that it aligns with the urgent need to develop skilled manpower, strengthen value chains, and reduce dependence on raw mineral exports.
According to NUMW, which represents mine workers across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, the proposed National Mining Skills and Workers’ Database Centre is designed to address key challenges in the sector, including weak skills development, limited workforce data, and the persistence of illegal mining activities.
The proposal includes the establishment of a Mining Skills Centre to train thousands of workers annually in areas such as safety procedures, drilling, blasting, mineral processing, equipment handling, and environmental compliance. The union said the initiative would help transition workers from basic extraction roles to more technical and value-driven positions within the mining industry.
It also proposed a nationwide biometric database of mine workers, which would capture details such as identity, skill level, location, and training records. NUMW explained that this would improve sector regulation, enhance safety monitoring, and support security agencies in distinguishing licensed miners from illegal operators.
The union further suggested that trained workers from the programme would feed directly into emerging processing plants, refineries, and manufacturing hubs, strengthening Nigeria’s internal value chain and supporting industrial expansion across states.
On illegal mining, NUMW stated that a structured workforce database combined with certified training would significantly reduce unregulated activities, ensuring that only verified and trained workers operate within the legal mining ecosystem.
As part of its commitment, the union pledged to mobilise over 500,000 mine workers nationwide for registration and training, and to provide existing facilities across six geopolitical zones to support the establishment of training centres. It also expressed readiness to collaborate with government agencies, including the Industrial Training Fund and SMEDAN, as well as development partners.
NUMW is requesting federal approval and policy backing for its role as an implementing partner, alongside a take-off grant for a pilot skills centre along a key mining corridor, as well as a formal memorandum of understanding with relevant ministries to strengthen coordination.
The union stated that the proposal directly supports President Tinubu’s broader call at AFNIS 2026 for Nigeria to translate policy declarations into tangible projects that create jobs, build industries, and promote dignity through productive work.
NUMW also expressed readiness to engage further with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and other stakeholders to refine and implement the blueprint.
