Halt child labour in mining field- NSME urges FG
Nigerian Society of Mining Engineers (NSME), has urged the federal government to put an end to the activities of minors in mining fields.
The group made this known in a communique marking the end of the 20th Annual General Meeting and International Conference of the society held in Gombe State.
Reading the communique signed by the President Prof. Benson Jatau, Secretary of the Society Engr. Anthony Ojile revealed that this would be in line with international best practices on child labour, adding that there is a need for total compliance with environmental monitoring with respect to mineral exploration.
The communique said, “NSME commends the federal government for identifying the mining and minerals sectors as the key driver in her quest for national development through her economic diversification programme.
“The federal government is urged to leverage of the junior mining companies on economic diversification through minerals exploration, mining and value addition to facilitate the attraction of major mining companies into Nigerian mining sector.
“The federal government is requested to halt child labour in the mines field through enforcement of International Labour Organization (ILO), resolutions on child labour.
“The federal government needs to ensure total compliance with environmental monitoring and enforcement provisions respect to minerals exploration, mining, value addition and environmental concerns.”
Also speaking, Olamilekan Adegbite, Minister of Mines and Steel Development said the federal government would prioritise the industry for economic development of the country.
Represented by Director General Mining Cadastral office Obadiah Simon, said that there is huge economic potential in the mines sector.
Adegbite said, “The nation’s economy had necessitated the roll-out of series of policy initiatives aimed at not only revamping the Nigerian economy but to ensure that the economic growth arising there from are inclusive and sustainable.
“Our goal is to grow the capacity of the mining industry to serve as reliable alternative revenue source for national development. This is more compelling now given the volatility of the oil revenues and this informed government decision to designate mining and agriculture sectors as the focal points of drive for non oil revenue sources.”
On his part, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, who was represented by Commissioner of Energy and Mineral Resources Shehu Madugu said the state is committed to revamping the mining industry.
Yahaya who was presented honorary award of fellowship by the society for his contribution in the mining sector, assured of his administration’s drive in diversifying the economy.
He added that with the recently discovered oil well in the state efforts were on going to build modular refinery in the state to aid refining of crude.
