The Ogun State Government is encouraging mining professionals and industry stakeholders to utilize free tuberculosis screening and medical care offered by the State Ministry of Health alongside the Facility Community-Based Service Delivery Support (FCBDS). During a quarterly stakeholders meeting in Abeokuta, Mr. Adebola Sofela, Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, highlighted the heightened risk miners face due to their work environment. Represented by Director Olalekan Eniolawun, the Commissioner urged workers to prioritize their wellbeing by arranging group screenings with the health ministry.
FCBDS representative Samuel Odunjo provided technical context, noting that Nigeria currently carries the world’s sixth-highest tuberculosis burden. He explained that miners are specifically at risk because constant inhalation of silica dust damages respiratory health. Odunjo cautioned that one untreated individual could potentially infect up to 15 people each year, making regular testing vital for community safety. Stakeholder Mutiu Alade praised the government for this initiative, acknowledging the collaborative effort between the trade and health sectors as a critical step in maintaining worker productivity and public health.
