PTDF, UNIJOS Urge Adoption of Modern Mining Practices to Tackle Insecurity, Boost Sustainability

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 The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) and the University of Jos (UNIJOS) have called on stakeholders in Nigeria’s mining sector to embrace modern and sustainable practices as part of efforts to reduce insecurity and improve community development.

The appeal was made on Thursday at the opening of a two-day capacity-building workshop for miners in Plateau State, themed “Enhancing Safety, Sustainability, and Community Development in Mining.”

PTDF Stresses Best Practices for Security

Executive Secretary of PTDF, Ahmed Galadima, represented by the agency’s Deputy General Manager (Projects), Paul Ohabuike, said that adherence to international safety and operational standards would significantly mitigate insecurity in mining host communities.

“While security is a broader issue, PTDF’s role is to ensure miners are trained on best practices and safety standards. Once these are followed, many of the insecurity issues will be reduced,” Galadima said.

He added that the programme falls under PTDF’s research and innovation mandate, noting that measurable outcomes had been defined by the UNIJOS-endowed chair to track the training’s impact.

Academia’s Role in National Development

Vice Chancellor of UNIJOS, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, represented by Prof. Samuel Odey, described the initiative as an example of academia partnering with industry and government to solve pressing national challenges.

“The University of Jos is honored to host this important workshop on sustainable and responsible mining. This initiative strongly aligns with our commitment to knowledge-driven solutions that improve lives and protect our environment,” Ishaya said.

He emphasized that the Middle Belt is not only rich in mineral resources but also in human capital, urging education and research to drive safer and more inclusive mining.

Experts Warn Against Unsafe Practices

Chairman of the UNIJOS-PTDF Professorial Chair in Geology and Mineral Science, Prof. Nuhu Samaila, described the workshop as timely, highlighting the dangers of environmental degradation, unsafe mining practices, and tensions linked to artisanal operations.

“Mining is not just an occupation; it is a lifeline for thousands of families. Yet, the benefits can only be realised when we balance economic gains with environmental stewardship and social responsibility,” he said.

Samaila explained that the training was designed to promote dialogue between miners, scientists, and policymakers, focusing on health and safety, mercury-free processing, cooperative development, and waste management.

Miners and Government Voice Concerns

Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Plateau State Chapter, Johnson Nwosu (representing the association), raised grievances such as harassment, multiple taxation, revoked licenses, and high interest rates. He urged authorities to introduce single-window licensing, transparent revenue audits, micro-licensing for artisanal miners, and a dedicated mining security task force.

Plateau State Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change, and Minerals, Peter Gwom, acknowledged regulatory inconsistencies but insisted miners must operate within the law.

He disclosed that the state government had recently approved the revival of more than 40 abandoned mining projects across local government areas to discourage illegal operations and support economic recovery.

Workshop in Progress

Our correspondent reports that more than 250 miners are participating in the ongoing two-day training, which is taking place at the University of Jos, Plateau State.