The Honourable Minister of Solid Minarals Development, Dr Dele Alake, on Wednesday inaugurated a committee to investigate the causes of the Zurak Mine Gas Poisoning incident that claimed 37 lives and hospitalized 20 victims.
The incident, which occurred on the 18th of February, 2026, took place at a mining site operated by Solid Unit Mining Company Limited, at Zurak in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
While inaugurating the committee in Abuja, the Minister also announced suspension of Solid Unit Mining Company Limited from mining operations.
Dr. Alake, who was represented at the inauguration by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo, announced that the suspension will remain until the committee submits its report within the next 21 days and the recommendations’ acceptance.
The 18-man Committee is chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Engr Faruk Yusuf Yabo and Co-chaired by the Plateau State Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, Peter Gwom.
The Minister said “As painful as this may be, it should serve as a wake-up call for everyone saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that our minefields are safe and secure to be on their game, in line with global best practices.”
Noting that incident is different from past incidents, Dr. Alake said” This particular incident is rare and a departure from the often-reported cases of ground caving-in, pit collapse, mudslide, fall of wall, etc. that unfortunately occur from time to time at mining sites.
“It is for this reason that a thorough and incisive inquest is needed to uncover the immediate and remote causes of this incident and to forestall future occurrences.
“I am deeply grateful that you all have accepted the call to be part of this critical assignment.
“On behalf of Mr. President, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the entire staff of this Ministry, I warmly welcome everyone.
We must ensure that this incident is not merely a statistic, but a stark and painful reminder that neglecting safety erodes trust.
“As a government, we must, through our actions, restore confidence in the people of the affected community and beyond.” he stated
The Minister also revealed that preliminary information showed that the tragedy may be attributed to a combination of factors, including poor health and safety compliance at the mine site, weak enforcement by the relevant mining regulatory authorities, and apparent carelessness on the part of the operator, Solid Unit Mining Company Limited and the youths of the community that operated the ceded portion of the lease belonging to the operator.
Dr. Alake charged the committee to uphold transparency and to comprehensively examine all relevant aspects, towards making clear recommendations that will ensure the non-repetition of similar incidents in the future.
Reeling out the ten items terms of reference, he said “
Provide a detailed technical description of the incident, particularly with respect to gaseous emissions, geological conditions, ventilation status, and any prior similar occurrences within the lease area;
Identify and document the technical experts engaged by Solid Unit Mining Company Limited in the mining arrangement and determine the level of their involvement in the supervision of operations;
Determine the type(s) of mineral(s) mined under ML 11810, the means of transportation of mineral products, and identify the principal buyers and off-takers of the mineral products;
Examine the compliance status of the Company with statutory royalty payments and other financial obligations to the Federal Government;
Assess and recommend practical measures to improve the security situation within the Wase/Zurak axis to enable effective regulatory oversight and safe mining operations;
Develop a draft policy framework outlining conditions and justification under which partial land relinquishment or operational ceding to host communities may be permitted, including regulatory safeguards;
Propose modalities for improved financing mechanisms to strengthen extension services, inspectorate functions, and technical departments for effective field monitoring and compliance;
Review the relationship between the Company and the community, including any formal or informal agreements governing mining operations;
Assess compliance with environmental obligations, including the Environmental Social Impact Assessment, Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation Plan, Community Development Agreement, and all other statutory requirements; and
Recommend corrective, preventive, and institutional reforms necessary to forestall recurrence of similar incidents in the future.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Solid Minarals Development ministry, Engr Faruk Yusuf Yabo, noted that the unfortunate incident claimed the lives of youth that were trying to make a living through mining activities.
Stressing that the incident is a painful reminder of the risks associated with mining activities and the urgent need to strengthen Security and safety standards across the sector, he said that the committee constitution underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding lives, ensuring accountability, and promoting sustainable mining practices.
Represented by Engr Frank Odoom, the Permanent Secretary said “Your task is both critical and timely: to thoroughly investigate not only the immediate causes of this incident but also the underlying and root factors that may have contributed to it.
“In carrying out this responsibility, the ToR for this assignment has been developed and approved, you are therefore expected to provide clear, evidence-based findings and actionable recommendations.
“These will be instrumental in preventing future occurrences, improving regulatory compliance, and reinforcing safety protocols within the mining industry.” he stated With the collective expertise and dedication of the Committee, the Permanent Secretary expressed optimism that it will deliver on its mandate with diligence, integrity, and a strong sense of duty to the nation.
“The lives lost must not be in vain; rather, they should serve as a catalyst for lasting reforms in Plateau State and the Nigeria Mining sector as a whole.” he said
Kania Maliki Andeyaba
Head (Press and Public Relations Department)
15th April, 2026
