A Personal Reflection on Nigeria’s Indigenous Women Mining Sector

Travelling to Abuja, Nigeria, was more than just a work assignment, it was an inspiring and deeply moving experience that highlighted both the challenges and the strengths of women in the artisanal mining sector. As an organisation, EnergyNet was proud to support the Nigerian Indigenous Women in Mining and Natural Resources (NIWIMNRO) at their launch workshop on 15th July 2025. This event marked an important step toward recognising and empowering indigenous women miners. For me, it was a powerful reminder of why grassroots support and community-driven change matter so deeply.

NIWIMNRO invited around 20 artisanal women miners from Nasarawa, Kaduna and Niger to the workshop where they were given the opportunity to speak on their learnings from the training they received from the association. The workshop also provided the opportunity to learn from experts in the sector who provided wisdom, encouragement, and clear next steps. The women miners said that there were now less accidents on the sites and that after the training they received, they can now apply their learnings such as if someone fainted or suffocated due to the dangerous conditions on the mines. I learnt that these women do not work with protection, and many allow their children to work on the sites to earn more money.

During the workshop, we heard from experts in the sector: Janet Ahiba, State Chairman of Women Miners, Kogi State, Dr Lynda Lawson, Senior Research Fellow Global Centre for Mineral Security the University of Queensland and Olusola Olaniyi, Advisory council member of the International Women in Mining. Olusola Olaniyi and Janet Ahiba were previously both experienced miners who spoke on their experiences and gave their advice to the women miners. They emphasised on loving each other, protecting each other and advised the women look after themselves by occasionally getting check-ups at the hospital as ignorance causes health issues in communities.  Another big emphasis was to stop taking children to work in the mines, they mentioned this is illegal and warned the women that no amount of money is worth the death of their children. Dr Lynda Lawson encouraged the women miners to relay the training to their fellow workers. She mentioned that each person telling 2 new people about the training, will make a huge impact on safety. It truly was a day of learning and empowerment.

Whilst in Abuja, we took the opportunity to visit a mining site in the Kuchiko Camp community. NIWIMNRO donated a solar panelled borehole for the community to have clean water. Felicia Dairo spoke passionately to the community before the commission of the borehole and prayers were spoken over the borehole and the community.

Thank you to the organisers, Nigerian Indigenous Women in Mining and Natural Resources (NIWIMNRO) for creating a safe space for these women and for the invite to be a part of this experience. It reminded me that real change starts with listening to voices that are often unheard but incredibly powerful. Witnessing the resilience of these women, their willingness to learn, and their commitment to creating safer futures for themselves and their families deeply moved me.

“Considering the initiative and how greatly the community needs it, the donation of a solar AC/DC borehole by the Nigeria Indigenous Women in Mining and Natural Resources Organisation to Kuchiko Camp community is a game-changer. Sustainable water access can improve health, agriculture, and daily life. The community will value this support greatly. This initiative meets a critical need, potentially boosting community well-being. The Organisation’s contribution is commendable, fostering positive impact. KUCHIKO camp community can benefit significantly from this donation, enhancing their quality of life with reliable water access. Appreciation for this support is sure to be high in the community” – Alhassan Bala, Contractor/Supervisor

Author: Ayomide Joseph, Marketing Executive, EnergyNet