Hon. Janet Adeyemi, the President, Women in Mining Nigeria, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has decried the involvement of under age children in Nigeria’s mining industry.
Adeyemi made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.
According to her, child labour in mining is dangerous, as it exposes children’s organs to contaminants that can be harmful to their health.
“On our own part, we conduct awareness programmes often to sensitise miners including children on dangers associated with the profession.
“Anywhere you find women conducting mining activities, you find their children assisting them to earn meager pay, and we have sensitised them against such act.
“We have our team in Taraba currently teaching women on environmental pollution, safe mining and we also organise lectures every month where we introduce and discuss different issues that can help them conduct mining in a safe manner.
“But what percentage of the grassroots’ miners gets the teaching? We can only do little due to internet connectivity problem and lack of funds,’’ she said.
Adeyemi stated that the NGO had given women voices in mining and policy making, compare to 2003 when women were not involved in policy making in Nigeria.
She also spoke on the challenges being faced by women in mining, listing equipment, insecurity, pollution and lack of best methods of mineral processing.
NAN recalls that the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr Uchechukwu Ogah, recently condemned the involvement of under age children in mining.
Oga had directed that any child seen at mining sites should be reported to security agencies for necessary action.