The Kogi State House of Assembly has called for stricter monitoring and enforcement of safety standards in mining communities following a fatal mining incident in Alufele, Enjema District of Ankpa Local Government Area.
The call was made during Tuesday’s plenary of the Eighth Assembly after the member representing Ankpa II State Constituency, Ibrahim Abbas, moved a motion of urgent public importance over the July 14, 2026, mining disaster.
Abbas said the incident, which claimed several lives, exposed the need for stronger safety measures and closer supervision of mining activities across the state.
He urged the Kogi State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (KOSEMA) and other relevant agencies to provide immediate relief, medical assistance and other support to victims and families affected by the disaster.
The lawmaker said the exploitation of Kogi’s mineral resources must be accompanied by responsible environmental practices and adequate safety measures to protect miners and residents of mining communities.
He also called for increased public awareness on mining safety, capacity-building programmes for artisanal miners and the provision of alternative sources of livelihood for people who may be affected by tighter mining regulations.
In his ruling, Speaker of the House, Aliyu Yusuf, emphasised the importance of backing lawmakers’ submissions on constituency matters with empirical evidence.
The Speaker also called for improved monitoring and stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent similar mining disasters in the state.
The House’s resolution followed growing concerns over the safety of mining operations and the protection of communities involved in or located around mining sites.
