Writing By Aliyu Muraki; Editing By Godwin Duru
Nasarawa State Government has directed immediate suspension of all mining activities by the Lideal Mines Company in Endo community of Udege, Nasarawa Local Government Area of the state.
The state Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Margaret Elayo gave the directive while briefing Journalists on the development in Lafia, the state capital.
Dr. Magret Elayo attributed the directive to the failure of the company to comply with an earlier agreement reached with the state government.
She said the government had earlier shut the company’s activities, but the management went to court seeking an injunction to invalidate the action.
“Following a series of engagements, stakeholder consultations, security reports, and developments surrounding mining activities within the affected cadastral units, the nasarawa state government has directed lideal mines company to immediately commence the withdrawal of all its operational facilities, mining equipment, machinery, trucks, and personnel from the site.
“This action is in line with the commitment of the administration of His excellency to uphold lawful mining practices, maintain peace within host communities, and ensure strict compliance with government directives and established operational procedures within the state.
“Accordingly, the state government intends to grant the company a stipulated period, to fully comply with the directive and conclude all withdrawal activities from the mining location,” she stated.
The commissioner said the decision by the state government was for the public interest and in furtherance of ongoing efforts to reposition the mining sector toward responsible investment, local value addition, community participation, and sustainable economic development.
“His Excellency has consistently maintained that mining activities within the state must align with the policy direction of the government, particularly the requirement for investors to establish functional processing facilities that directly benefit host communities and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy.
“In furtherance of this directive, the state government shall immediately deploy security personnel to the mining site to ensure total compliance with the directive of His Excellency and to prevent any unauthorized activity at the location. the deployment will involve relevant security agencies mandated to maintain law and order and secure government interests within the affected area.
“The nasarawa state government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for genuine investors while also ensuring that all operators comply with the laws, policies, and developmental objectives of the state.
We therefore urge all stakeholders, including host communities and mining operators, to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and cooperative as the government continues to implement reforms aimed at strengthening the mining sector for the collective benefit of the people of nasarawa state,” she noted.
COV/Aliyu Muraki
