The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, on behalf of the Governing Board and Management of the Commission, has condoled with the Government and people of Niger State over the reported death of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Dr. Tsenyil described the incident which occured in Minna as a huge loss to the nation and expressed his sympathies to the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, as well as the families and loved ones of the deceased.
He said the NCDC considers safe, organised and coordinated mining activities crucial to harnessing the vast mineral endowments of the North Central region for sustainable economic development and prosperity.
According to him, the Commission is committed to working with relevant stakeholders to promote responsible mining practices and ensure that safety standards remain a top priority in the exploitation of the region’s mineral resources.
Dr. Tsenyil recalled that the just-concluded North Central Stakeholders Development Summit extensively deliberated on the region’s mineral resources and the need for responsible exploitation, noting that the recommendations from the summit would contribute to shaping the policy framework for the Commission’s interventions in the mining sector and broader economic development of the region.
The NCDC Chief Executive commended the swift actions taken by the Niger State and Federal Governments to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident and prevent a recurrence.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for God to grant their families, friends and the Government and people of Niger State the fortitude to bear the loss.
