UK Group Recognises NIWIMNRO for Helping Women in Mining

A UK group that promotes discussions on Africa’s power and energy sectors, EnergyNet, has honoured the Nigerian Indigenous Women in Mining and Natural Resources organisation (NIWIMNRO) for its excellent work in training women artisanal miners in Nigeria.

NIWIMNRO is a Nigerian NGO focused on empowering and advocating for indigenous women in the mining industry.

During the award presentation at NIWIMNRO’s office on Thursday in Abuja, Charlotte Lamb, the Editorial and Content Manager of the Energy News Network (ENN), the news outlet of EnergyNet Ltd, praised the group’s ongoing efforts in training women in artisanal mining since its start.

Lamb said this shows the group’s commitment to ensuring that women and mining communities benefit from the resources taken from their land and environment.

She stated, “The NIWIMNRO began with a conversation between two of your board members on a short course in Australia. Since then, you have trained women in Abuja and Kaduna, you’ve drawn from Niger and Nasarawa, on their rights, on their safety, and on how to manage what they earn.

“What strikes me is that you have not stopped at training. But organising women into cooperatives that can hold licences and enter formal commercial agreements. Also aggregating hubs where lithium, gold and Tin are collected, graded and taken properly into the value chain.”

“Everyone in this sector talks about what communities should get back from what is taken out from the ground beneath them. You have taken on the job of making it happen.”

Present at the event were Gemma Gosling, Head of Production, and Abdoulaye Sylla, Head of Africa Portfolio & Corporate Development for EnergyNet.

In her speech, Felicia Dairo, the Executive Director of NIWIMNRO, acknowledged the help from EnergyNet in achieving NIWIMNRO’s goals for a better future for women miners in Nigeria.

Reflecting on NIWIMNRO’s relationship with EnergyNet, Mrs Dairo noted that it started in 2024 during the Africa Energy Forum in Barcelona, leading to a valuable partnership.

She said strategic partnerships with groups like EnergyNet, the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), and the Australian High Commission have helped NIWIMNRO reach women miners across Nigeria’s six regions, improving their lives and supporting mining communities.

Mrs Dairo pointed out that EnergyNet has been a loyal partner since their relationship began. She recalled their involvement in launching NIWIMNRO’s first community development project, a solar-powered borehole in Niger State, and their ongoing support for other projects.

She also highlighted the achievements since teaming up with the UK-based group. She mentioned that thanks to the Direct Aid Program (DAP) grant from the Australian High Commission, NIWIMNRO has trained 165 women miners and expanded its work in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Osun States.

She explained, “Beyond capacity building, we identify the unique challenges facing each mining community and work to provide practical solutions. In addition to training, we have distributed personal protective equipment, including helmets, boots and gloves, to about 60 women miners this year to improve their safety and well-being while working.”

Mrs Dairo said NIWIMNRO also cares for the health of women miners by organising medical outreach in mining areas, where health workers offer screenings, consultations, and health education.

“We know that many miners carry out their work without paying adequate attention to their health. That is why we bring medical personnel into these communities to examine them and provide the necessary health advice,” she said.

She added that the organisation is also pushing for the formalisation of artisanal and small-scale mining, especially among women, to help them move from the informal sector to a legal framework.

According to her, many artisanal miners are seen as operating illegally because they work outside the formal regulatory system. “We are working with state and federal government agencies to facilitate their registration and formalisation, to ensure they are recognised as legitimate mining operators.”

She stressed that this formalisation would give women miners access to government support programmes and other opportunities available to licensed operators.

Mrs Dairo thanked the organisation for their ongoing support, stating that NIWIMNRO’s success would not have been possible without their belief and trust in the organisation’s vision.

She said, “We want to sincerely thank you for believing in our vision and walking this journey with us. The progress we have recorded today has been made possible through your support and that of organisations such as the Australian High Commission and CJID.”

EnergyNet Responds

In his closing remarks, Abdoulaye Sylla, portfolio manager and head of corporate development at EnergyNet, praised NIWIMNRO for its dedication to improving the rights and livelihoods of indigenous women miners. He described the organisation’s work as essential for ensuring that mining investments benefit local communities.

He said EnergyNet is thankful for the chance to support NIWIMNRO’s mission and acknowledged that while the organisation understands the challenges in the mining sector, NIWIMNRO’s close work with communities provides important insights.

“We should be the ones thanking you for allowing us to be part of this journey because, while we understand some of the realities, we are not on the ground, you are,” he said.

Recalling a visit to mining communities last year, Mr Sylla pointed out that indigenous women miners are crucial for local economic growth. He added that their contributions are often ignored even though they are significant.

“The women we met last year are the backbone of economic development in their communities. They are incredibly important. We have a saying in French: ‘You put your head where others won’t even put their feet.’ That reflects the work you do every day.”

He concluded by saying that NIWIMNRO’s dedication continues to motivate EnergyNet and strengthens their commitment to supporting the organisation’s efforts.

“You are doing the work that many people are unwilling to do. Seeing your commitment and passion motivates us to continue supporting what you are doing.”