Niger Assembly Calls for Action on Gold Mining Health Risks

The Niger State House of Assembly has expressed serious concerns regarding health risks associated with gold mining in the state, prompting a call for immediate action. During a plenary session led by Speaker Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, the Assembly adopted a resolution addressing the environmental and public health hazards posed by illegal gold mining.

The motion, sponsored by Hon. Nasir Umar of Paikoro Constituency, was deemed a matter of urgent public importance. Hon. Umar highlighted that the practice of crushing gold-bearing rocks in residential areas without adequate environmental safeguards has become a significant public health issue.

He cited scientific evidence linking prolonged exposure to silica dust from mining activities to severe respiratory illnesses. The Assembly urged the Niger State Government to implement urgent measures to mitigate these health risks, emphasizing the constitutional responsibility to protect citizens' health and welfare.

The motion received unanimous support from Assembly members, who recognized the growing concern over unregulated mining activities.