The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for a comprehensive and independent investigation into the deaths of 37 persons who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

NLC President Mr Joe Ajaero made the call in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, demanding transparency, accountability and justice over the incident.

Labour Congress Wants Circumstances of Death Established

Ajaero said the victims were arrested during operations targeting suspected illegal mining activities in Niger State on September 15 and 16.

According to him, the arrests took place around the Lt.-Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate and Lukoto areas of Niger State, while the reported deaths occurred on September 17.

He said reports indicated that many of those who died were young people, including minors.

“The committee is expected to establish the identities of the deceased, circumstances of their arrest and detention, and the cause of their deaths,” Ajaero said.

NLC Welcomes Investigation Committee

The Federal Government had announced the establishment of an independent committee to investigate the incident.

The committee is expected to determine: the identities of the deceased, the circumstances surrounding their arrest, conditions of detention, the causes of the deaths.

Ajaero welcomed the suspension of officers linked to the incident but stressed that administrative action should not replace a full investigation and possible accountability measures.

Labour Union Links Illegal Mining to Economic Hardship

The NLC president expressed concern about the social conditions that push many young Nigerians into artisanal mining and other informal activities.

He said poverty, unemployment, limited economic opportunities and lack of decent livelihoods often contribute to participation in risky informal work.

“These were children and young people from working-class and peasant families, particularly families whose livelihoods depend on the informal economy,” he said.

NLC Calls for Mining Reforms and Protection of Children

Ajaero urged authorities to strengthen regulation of artisanal and small-scale mining activities across Nigeria.

He called for: improved occupational safety standards, enforcement against hazardous child labour, protection of vulnerable workers, alternative livelihood programmes.

He also urged government agencies to provide education, skills training, social protection and economic opportunities for affected communities.

Addressing Root Causes of Vulnerability

The NLC president said tackling illegal and unsafe mining requires more than enforcement operations.

He called for broader measures addressing: rural poverty, youth unemployment, lack of decent work, weak social protection systems.

“We cannot continue to address the symptoms of these problems while ignoring their underlying causes,” Ajaero said.