The Nasarawa State House of Assembly Committee on Environment has advised community leaders to be circumspect in granting mining consents in their respective areas to avoid backlash.
The committee gave the advice during a visit to a mining site known as the “Guarantee Mining Site” in the Endo community of Udege in Nasarawa Local Government Area of the state.
The visit was also based on a petition written to the House on the clash of mining consent in the area among mining companies.
Mr Mohammed Omadefu, the committee chairman, said the visit was to ascertain the facts concerning three mining companies claiming permission to conduct mining activities at the site.
Omadefu, who is also the Majority Leader of the House, led members of the committee to the mining site on Tuesday. He said the visit enabled the committee members to evaluate things for themselves and report appropriately to the House on their findings.
“We are here on the directive of Mr Speaker in respect of a petition by someone that he has mining consent from the Endo community, but on reaching the mining site, the place was occupied by Zurfi Mining Company and Harrick Global Investment Nigeria Limited.
“The petitioner said as a law-abiding citizen, he needed the House intervention on the matter; that is why we are here. We have seen things for ourselves and heard from the Endo community that they have given mining consent to Feiya Mining Company, not any other company or companies.
“The Endo community said that Zurfi Mining Company and Harrick Global Investment Nigeria Limited received their mining consent from Odu district instead of the Endo community under Onda district,” he said.
Omadefu assured the petitioner and Endo community that the House would do justice for peace to reign.
“We will report back our findings to the House, and the House will take a fair decision on the matter in the interest of peace, unity, and for the overall development of the state,” he said.
The committee chairman urged the parties involved to restrain from violence, continue law-abiding, and respect constituted authorities in the interest of peace.
He assured that the House would always continue to be just and fair in its decision.
In his submission, the Secretary of Endo Community, Mr Aminu Mohammed, informed the committee that the community has given mining consent to Feiya Mining Company, not any other company/ companies.
“First and foremost, we want to thank you for your coming to see things for yourselves to ascertain the true position of the mining consent.
“We, the Endo community, have given mining consent to Feiya Mining Company for mining purposes. “What Zurfi Mining Company and Harrick Global Investment Nigeria Limited are doing on the site is illegal; we don’t know them,” he said.
He appealed to the committee to ensure justice on the matter. The community leader assured their readiness to remain law-abiding and respect constituted authorities for peace.
The committee also met with the traditional council leaders, among other community stakeholders. NAN
