Mining: Nasarawa Government Set-Up Committee To Resolve Crises Between Host Community, Mining Company
A committee to look into and resolve the protracted land disputes related to mining activities at Udege-Mbeki in Nasarawa Local Government Area has been set up by the Nasarawa State Government.
It will be recalled that, for some time now, members of Udege-Mbeki community and a private mining firm, Kenpang Mining Company have drawn a battle line over land ownership and compensation.
Hon. Yakubu Kwanta, the State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, stated this when he led a high powered delegation of government officials on a visit to the area on Saturday (September 16, 2023).
According to the Commissioner, the essence of the visit was in line with the directive of Governor Abdullahi Sule to ensure mutual understanding between the host community and the mining company, such that will prevent disunity and crisis amongst the people.
He noted that, such tendencies, if left unaddressed, is capable of disrupting the existing peace, thereby threatening investors coming into the State to invest.
Kwanta maintained that, the present administration of Governor Sule is willing to partner genuine local and foreign investors that are ready to add value to and improve the internal revenue base of the State.
Responding, the Deputy General Manager, Kenpang Mining Company, Miller Xu, assured the Commissioner of his company’s readiness to live and work peacefully with their host community.
On his part, the youth leader of Udege-Mbeki community, Ismaila Dan-Ajiya, called on Governor Abdullahi Sule to ensure that the mining company adequately compensates residents of the area.
The Osu Ajiri, the paramount traditional ruler of the area, Halilu Bala Usman, who was represented by the Sarkin Pada Aminu Obagu said he was overwhelmed with the visit and promised to ensure peace in his domain.
