NUMW Calls for Broader Probe into Miners' Deaths in Niger

The Nigeria Union of Mine Workers (NUMW) has demanded the expansion of the independent investigative committee formed to probe the deaths of 37 artisanal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. NUMW commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for establishing the 10-member committee but insisted it should include representatives from organized labor, the Niger State government, traditional rulers, community leaders, medical professionals, and civil society organizations.

In a statement by its national president, Comrade Hamza Muhammad, the union emphasized that the current committee lacks representation from the direct workers' union of the deceased miners. NUMW called for the inclusion of the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Niger State Ministries of Solid Minerals and Health, and various community leaders.

The union also praised the swift actions taken by the Minister and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring a transparent investigation and commended the suspension of the NSCDC Commandant and 20 officers involved in the incident.