The Nigeria Union of Mine Workers (NUMW) has called for the expansion of the 10-member committee investigating the deaths of 37 artisanal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The union, in a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Hamza Muhammad, commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and his counterpart in Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake for constituting the independent investigative committees, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing an investigation into the incident.
NUMW also welcomed the reported suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and 20 officers in connection with the incident.
However, the union said the committee should be broadened to include representatives of organised labour, the Niger State Government, traditional institutions, affected communities, medical professionals and civil society organisations.
According to NUMW, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the union’s Niger State Council, traditional rulers and community representatives should have a place on the panel because of their direct links with the affected workers and communities.
“We are not rejecting the committee. We are commending the Ministers and asking them to make it more inclusive, balanced and acceptable to all.”
The union also questioned the representation of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), arguing that the deceased were mine workers and should have direct representation through NUMW.
“The inclusion of Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) is for mine owners, not mine workers. The deceased were workers, members of NUMW.”
NUMW proposed the inclusion of representatives of the NLC and NUMW at both national and Niger State levels, as well as officials from the Niger State ministries responsible for solid minerals and health.
It further requested representatives of the Etsu Nupe, the Emir of Minna, the Emir of Kagara and the Sarkin Munya, alongside youth leaders from Shiroro and Munya, where the victims reportedly came from.
The union also called for the participation of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Niger State Chapter, and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Minna Branch.
On the medical investigation, NUMW requested that Prof. Olayinka Buhari be supported by a Niger State-based pathologist.
The union said broader representation would help strengthen confidence in the investigation among workers, affected families and communities.
“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done by the people of Shiroro, Munya and Niger State.”
NUMW said it had directed its Niger State Council to compile the names of the deceased and prepare a memorandum for submission to the panel.
The union also appealed to its members to remain calm and law-abiding while the investigation continues.
