NASSMCS Creates Structure for North West Zone Harp on Membership Benefits

By Olu Benjamin

The leadership of the National Artisanal and Small Scale Mining Cooperative Society (NASSMCS) has vowed to empower small scale miners across the country.

It has also created a structure for it’s North West geopolitical zone chapter to properly manage and protect the interests of members of the Cooperative in the North West geopolitical zone in the country.

This is contained in a statement signed by Hajiya Aminatu Ibrahim Musa, Chairperson of the North West zone chapter and made available to newsmen in Keffi local government area of Nasarawa state on Friday.

Hajiya Musa said all effort will be put in place to prioritize the interests of members hence the creation of the chapter and the structure for the chapter.

She said the structure consists of key components such as the general assembly, board of trustees, executive committee and committees saddled with various responsibilities with regards to the affairs of members.

“The general assembly is the highest decision-making body composed of all members of the Cooperative. They will meet regularly to discuss and make decisions on issues affecting the cooperative.

“While the board of trustees is the governing body responsible for overseeing the activities of the cooperative. They are usually elected by the general assembly and are entrusted with managing the cooperative’s affairs.

She also averred that the executive committee would be part of the structure for implementing the decisions made by the general assembly.

“It typically consists of elected members such as the chairman, secretary, treasurer, and other officers who oversee specific functions within the cooperative,” she added.

According to her, various committees may also be formed to handle specific tasks such as finance, marketing, environmental management, and social welfare.

“These committees are appointed by the executive committee and may include members from the general assembly,” she said

The chairperson however added that artisanal miners who wish to join the cooperative must fulfill certain criteria and pay membership fees.

“Membership may also come with rights such as voting in general assemblies and access to certain benefits provided by the cooperative.

“Artisanal mining cooperatives have their own set of rules and regulations that members must adhere to. These rules typically govern issues such as membership, decision-making processes, revenue sharing, and conflict resolution” she said.

She assured that members will enjoy periodic training and capacity building programs to improve their skills in mining techniques, safety practices, and business management.

“Overall, the structure of artisanal mining cooperative societies in Nigeria aims to empower small-scale miners, improve their working conditions, and promote sustainable mining practice,” she added.

…end.