By Mohammed Taoheed

The Australian High Commission in Abuja has partnered the Nigerian Indigenous Women in Mining and Natural Resource Organisation (NIWIMNRO) to strengthen safety, capacity and gender inclusion in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. 

The funding, awarded under Australia’s Direct Aid Program (DAP), is designed to address the socio-economic, health, safety and structural challenges faced by women in artisanal mining through practical, community-driven interventions.

According to the statement by the High Commission, the initiative aligns with Australia’s broader partnership with Nigeria aimed at strengthening technical capacity, improving safety standards and promoting gender inclusion across the mining sector.

It referenced a capacity-building programme held last year at Curtin University in Perth, where Nigerian officials received technical and governance training as part of ongoing bilateral engagement in the extractive industry.

The High Commission stated that supporting community-level projects such as NIWIMNRO’s reflects its commitment to fostering a safer, more skilled and inclusive minerals sector.

“Empowering indigenous women miners is a vital part of this work. By improving access to clean water, providing training in safer mining practices, and strengthening cooperative structures, this project will ensure that women miners can participate more safely, confidently, and productively in the industry”, the statement read. 

Why it matters

NIWIMNRO’s Executive Director, Felicia Dairo, thanked the Australian High Commission for  the support, which she described as a recognition of the organisation’s work and a demonstration of Australia’s commitment to gender equality and inclusive development in Nigeria.

She said empowering indigenous women artisanal miners contributes not only to improved mining practices but also to stronger local economies and more resilient communities.

“When women miners are supported, entire communities benefit, livelihoods improve, families become more secure, and women’s voices are more meaningfully reflected in mining governance and decision-making,” Ms Dairo said. 

The Australian High Commission commended NIWIMNRO’s leadership and expressed optimism that the partnership would deliver lasting benefits to women and mining communities across Nigeria.

About NIWIMNRO

The Nigerian Indigenous Women in Mining and Natural Resource Organisation is a non-governmental organisation that advocates for the inclusion, safety and economic advancement of indigenous women artisanal miners.

The organisation promotes gender equality and sustainable development within Nigeria’s extractive sector, with a focus on ensuring women miners are recognised and supported as contributors to economic growth and community resilience.