…Condoles with families of victims
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, has commended the swift actions taken by the Federal and Niger State Governments towards ensuring a thorough investigation into the reported death of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) with a view to prevent a recurrence.
Dr. Tsenyil, who gave the commendation while condoling with the Government and people of Niger State over the death of 37 victims, described the incident which occurred in Minna, the Niger State capital as a huge loss to the nation.
Tsenyil, who expressed the condolences on behalf of the Governing Board and Management of the NCDC, particularly expressed sympathies to the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, as well as the families and loved ones of the deceased.
The Chief Executive Officer 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.
He assured that 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.
A statement by Dr. Makut Simon Macham, Head, Media and Corporate Communications, stated that 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.
The NCDC Managing Director noted 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.
Tsenyil 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.
