Senate seeks tougher mining safety rules after Kogi landslide kills 20

Nigeria's Senate is demanding enhanced safety regulations in the mining sector after a devastating landslide at a coal mining site in Kogi State resulted in the deaths of 20 workers. The call for stricter measures followed a motion presented by Senator Isah Jibrin, representing Kogi East, during a plenary session.

The landslide occurred on July 14, 2026, in Alufele, Enjema District, trapping artisanal and small-scale miners underground. Several trucks also reportedly sank into mining pits during loading operations. Senator Jibrin highlighted that unsafe coal mining activities in Ankpa Local Government Area and other coal-bearing communities in Kogi have become a significant safety, environmental, and humanitarian concern.

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On or about 14th July, 2026, a significant ground failure and landslide occurred in Alufele in Enjema District within the Ankpa coal mining area, trapping artisanal and small-scale miners underground while several trucks reportedly sank into mining pits during loading operations, leading to the death of 20 workers, and injuries to several others, thereby exposing the extremely hazardous conditions under which mining activities are presently conducted.

Jibrin noted that the widespread use of the room-and-pillar mining system without adequate structural reinforcement increases the risk of mine roof collapses and fatal accidents. Many miners work informally, lacking written employment contracts, health insurance, or occupational hazard insurance, leaving victims and their families without financial protection. The Senate emphasized the need for compulsory workers' compensation and occupational health protection schemes, practices standard in leading mining jurisdictions, to prevent future tragedies and protect workers.

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The continued occurrence of mine collapses, landslides and related accidents not only threatens human lives but also poses serious environmental, economic and public safety concerns requiring urgent legislative and executive intervention.