Niger State Governor Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago has met with stakeholders in the mining sector during one of his schedules in Brazil with a view to facilitating and encouraging partnership that will improve the mining sector in the State.

The Farmer Governor disclosed that his administration intends to organize the miners into cooperatives explaining that responsible Mining entails ethical practices, environmental stewardship, community engagement, and a balance in productivity with a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

Farmer Governor Umaru Bago reaffirmed that the initiative and other strategies evolved are designed not only to improve the working conditions of artisanal miners but also to promote the collective marketing of their products saying, the establishment of cooperatives will create room for the government to create a structured framework for mining that enables artisans to sell their products more efficiently and sustainably, while simultaneously mitigating the risks associated with their work.

The. Farmer Governor added that the project is equally anticipated to uplift the livelihoods of the miners and promote safer mining practices throughout Niger State as they will also be provided with standardized equipment that adheres to safety and operational guidelines, thereby promoting economic growth while also prioritizing environmental protection and sustainability.

All these efforts are part of ongoing efforts of Farmer Governor Umaru Bago to transition artisan miners in Niger State and safeguard them from the risks of mine collapses and exposure to hazardous substances like lead poisoning.

Bologi Ibrahim
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State
21/10/2024