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The National Publicity Secretary of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Dr. Anani Hamisu Mohammed, has declared that the devastating Zurak gas poisoning incident must trigger a comprehensive nationwide reset on mining safety, warning that local governments can no longer afford to remain bystanders in a sector operating directly within their jurisdictions.

Dr. Anani, who also serves as Executive Chairman of Wase Local Government Area and ALGON Chairman, Plateau State Chapter, made this known shortly after his inauguration as a member of the 18-man investigative committee constituted by the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Henry Dele Alake, to probe the tragedy at Mining Lease 1000 in Zurak.

Delivering ALGON’s position on the incident, Dr. Anani stated emphatically that, “Local Governments are the first line of grief when these tragedies occur, and we must become the last line of defence before they occur.” He described the loss of 37 lives as not merely a local tragedy but a national indictment, stressing that the association will henceforth insist that no mining lease operates without a fully functional Local Government Area Safety Desk, duly signed off by the Council Chairman and the traditional institution.

Speaking on behalf of the committee and in his national capacity, Dr. Anani commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister Alake, and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for what he described as a “swift, coordinated response that shows government is listening.”

He pledged the full support of ALGON in Plateau State and assured that all 774 local government areas across the country would cooperate with the committee to ensure its assignment is executed without hindrance. According to him, ALGON will mobilise its nationwide network to provide relevant data, facilitate access to affected areas, and support mechanisms for witness protection where required. “The root causes of this tragedy will be addressed. ALGON’s eyes are on this report,” he affirmed.

Dr. Anani further underscored the need for a critical review of operational standards within Nigeria’s mining sector, pointing specifically to gas measurement protocols, environmental condition assessments, mine ventilation systems, and overall safety mechanisms. He outlined that the investigative process must include identifying probable causes, evaluating operational practices, calling for memoranda, formulating policy recommendations, and adopting a final report for presentation. He emphasized that a clearly defined timetable is essential to ensure the assignment is thorough, timely, and credible.

Providing context to the federal government’s intervention, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Alake, had inaugurated the committee to investigate the fatal incident at Mining Lease 1000, which has so far claimed 37 lives and left more than 20 persons hospitalised. All mining activities at the site remain suspended.

The Minister stated that the administration of President Tinubu has “departed from the era of caving mines” and is determined to enforce global best practices in mining operations. Preliminary findings from the incident, he revealed, point to poor health practices, negligence, and substandard operational procedures.

Dr. Anani also highlighted the national significance of the committee’s assignment, noting that its 10-point Terms of Reference are consistent with ALGON’s longstanding advocacy for community-led monitoring of mining activities. Among its key mandates are auditing compliance with Environmental Impact Assessments, mapping mineral buyers and royalty flows, and developing a policy framework to guide host-community operations—issues previously raised by ALGON at National Economic Council and Nigeria Governors’ Forum meetings.

The 18-man committee is composed of a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including federal regulators, security agencies, technical experts, and community leaders. Its membership includes Engr. Farouk Isa, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, representing the Minister; Hon. Dr. Anani Hamisu Mohammed; His Royal Highness Alhaji Muhammadu Sambo Haruna, Emir of Wase; Engr. Frank Udon; directors of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development; the Plateau State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change; representatives of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Mining Marshals, the Mines Environmental Compliance Department, the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Department, the Nigeria Police Force Mining Unit, as well as legal and community relations experts.

The committee formally commenced work on April 15, 2026, with full ministerial backing. Dr. Alake emphasized that its report must be “actionable” and capable of shaping new nationwide safety protocols for Nigeria’s mining sector.

The statement was signed by Hon. Dr. Anani Hamisu Mohammed in his capacity as ALGON National Publicity Secretary, Executive Chairman of Wase LGA, ALGON Chairman, Plateau State Chapter, and member of the 18-man investigative committee on the Zurak mining incident.