From Leo Zwànke, Lafia*
The Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Nasarawa State Chapter, Yusuf Dalhatu, has called on the Nasarawa State government to increase its support for women and artisanal miners, highlighting the sector’s potential for job creation and revenue generation.
Dalhatu made the appeal during the second day of a three-day Skills Acquisition and Project Review Programme on eliminating sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Nasarawa State, organized by Women in Mining in Nigeria (WIMIN), on Wednesday.
He emphasized the importance of government intervention, especially in identifying and clarifying gemstones across the state’s 13 local government areas. Dalhatu expressed appreciation for the initiative and reiterated the critical role of women in the mining sector.
“Mining is a highly promising industry. Bringing women together from all the local governments to train them on gemstones is essential,” he said. “The state government must assist women and miners in Nasarawa State. Mining could generate significant opportunities for the state, particularly in job creation.”
Dalhatu urged the government to organize sensitization programs for artisanal miners, emphasizing that such initiatives would boost revenue generation. He noted that while non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been leading these efforts, government involvement is necessary for sustainability.
“Through this training, the women have formed cooperatives and will take this knowledge back to their communities. I believe it will greatly benefit them,” he stated.
Dalhatu further pointed out that NGOs, though helpful, may eventually face resource constraints. He called on the government to collaborate with relevant ministries, such as the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, to support and train artisanal miners.
Addressing the broader impact of mining in Nasarawa State, Dalhatu estimated that over 60% of the population is involved in mining activities, with women and youth playing significant roles across all local government areas.
“In all 13 local governments, people are engaged in mining. Whether it’s in Nasarawa Eggon, Wamba, or Karu’s gold sites, mining is providing livelihoods. Our youth, initially uninterested, have joined the sector after seeing the opportunities created by miners from Zamfara and Jos,” he explained.
He added, “If the government collaborates effectively with NGOs and the Miners Association, we can achieve much more. In places like Nasarawa Eggon and Wamba, many people are working hard to earn a living through mining.”
Dalhatu also urged Governor Abdullahi Sule to extend his support to artisanal miners, noting that the cooperatives already formed provide a structure for collaboration.
“My advice to the government is to work with the cooperatives we’ve established. We have an abundance of gemstones in Nasarawa State, and if we can get lapidaries, it will greatly benefit us. The government has done well in other areas, but now we need a stronger focus on artisanal miners.”
