PTDF, UNIJOS ADVOCATE FOR MODERN MINING PRACTICES TO CURB INSECURITY
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By Sunmisola Shodayo
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund and the University of Jos have urged stakeholders in the mining industry to adopt contemporary mining techniques to address insecurity within the nation and to advance the sector.
During a two-day capacity-building workshop for miners in Plateau State, themed “Enhancing Safety, Sustainability, and Community Development in Mining,” held on Thursday, the Executive Secretary of PTDF, Ahmed Galadima, emphasized that adherence to global standards and optimal practices could substantially mitigate insecurity challenges in mining communities.
“While security encompasses a broader spectrum, PTDF’s responsibility is to ensure that miners are educated about best practices and safety protocols. By consistently following these guidelines, numerous insecurity issues will be alleviated,” Galadima stated.
The Executive Secretary of PTDF, represented by the Deputy General Manager of Projects, Paul Ohabuike, reaffirmed PTDF’s dedication to fostering safety and sustainability within the industry, pointing out that this initiative falls under the agency’s mandate for research and innovation.
He remarked that measurable results had been established by the UNIJOS-endowed chair to assess the efficacy of the training program.
“By the conclusion of this training, we anticipate that miners will implement safety protocols, comply with standards, enhance environmental management, and improve the ecosystem and livelihoods surrounding mining operations,” he added.
Vice Chancellor of UNIJOS, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, represented by Prof. Samuel Odey, indicated that the program showcased the role of academia in tackling national challenges through collaborative efforts.
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“The assembly today exemplifies the strength of partnership among academia, industry, government, and local communities. The University of Jos takes pride in hosting this significant workshop focused on sustainable and responsible mining for community empowerment. This initiative aligns closely with our commitment to knowledge-driven solutions that enhance lives and safeguard our environment,” he remarked.
The Vice Chancellor noted that the Middle Belt region is abundant not only in mineral resources but also in human potential and advocated for education and research to promote inclusive development and safer mining practices.
Prof. Nuhu Samaila, Chairman of the UNIJOS PTDF Professorial Chair in Geology and Mineral Science, deemed the workshop timely, citing concerns regarding environmental degradation, unsafe practices, and tensions associated with artisanal mining.
“Mining transcends mere occupation; it serves as a vital source of livelihood for countless families. However, the benefits can only be fully realized when economic advantages are balanced with environmental stewardship and social accountability,” he commented.
He elaborated that the training aims to encourage dialogue among miners, scientists, and policymakers, concentrating on health and safety, mercury-free processing, cooperative advancement, and waste management.
Johnson Nwosu, representing the Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Plateau State Chapter, alongside the Plateau State Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change, and Minerals, Peter Gwom, addressed the challenges and policy deficiencies in the sector.
Nwosu enumerated miners’ grievances, such as harassment, excessive taxation, revoked licenses, and high interest rates. He advocated for a streamlined licensing process, transparent revenue audits, micro-licensing for artisanal miners, and a dedicated security task force for the mining sector.
The Commissioner acknowledged the ongoing regulatory inconsistencies but encouraged miners to operate within the regulatory framework.
He emphasized the necessity to implement current regulations instead of formulating new ones and revealed that the state government had recently sanctioned the continuation of more than 40 neglected mining ventures across local government districts to mitigate illegal mining and aid economic recovery.
Our correspondent reports that over 250 miners are engaged in the two-day training program currently taking place at the University of Jos, located in the Plateau state capital.
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