NOA Urges Stronger Safety Enforcement After Wase Mining Disaster

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called for stricter enforcement of safety standards at mining sites nationwide following the recent Wase mining disaster in Plateau State. The Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the incident as “completely unacceptable in a modern society” and said that adherence to safety regulations must be a top priority […]

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called for stricter enforcement of safety standards at mining sites nationwide following the recent Wase mining disaster in Plateau State.

The Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the incident as “completely unacceptable in a modern society” and said that adherence to safety regulations must be a top priority to protect lives and national infrastructure.

“The dangers associated with unauthorised mining operations and substandard safety measures far outweigh any perceived benefits,” he said, warning that weak compliance continues to expose miners to avoidable risks.

Issa-Onilu urged relevant authorities and stakeholders to intensify inspections and monitoring of mining sites and to enforce established safety standards rigorously.

He added that Nigerians must collectively reject unsafe practices that have repeatedly led to mass casualties and national trauma.

“Strict compliance with safety rules is essential, not optional,” he said, stressing that proactive measures could prevent future tragedies in the mining sector.