NOA Calls for Stricter Mining Safety Standards After Wase Disaster

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged for stronger enforcement of safety standards at mining sites across Nigeria in response to the recent mining disaster in Wase, Plateau State. Mallam Lanr Issa Onilu, the Director General of NOA, described the incident as completely unacceptable in a modern society that adheres to safety regulations.

He highlighted that protecting lives and national infrastructure must be a top priority, especially given the dangers associated with unauthorized mining operations and substandard safety measures. Onilu warned that weak compliance with safety standards continues to expose miners to significant risks.

He called on relevant authorities and stakeholders to intensify inspections and monitoring of mining sites to enforce established safety standards rigorously. The NOA emphasized that strict compliance with safety rules is essential and not merely an option, advocating for proactive measures to prevent future tragedies in the mining sector.