The Nasarawa State Government has ordered Lideal Mines Company to immediately halt operations at its site in the Endo Community, Udege Development Area of Nasarawa Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
Dr Margaret Elayo, Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, announced this at a press conference on Wednesday in Lafia.
The Commissioner said that the decision complied with the directive of Gov. Abdullahi Sule following stakeholders’ engagement and security reports surrounding mining activities in the area.
She said that the government had directed that the company should begin the withdrawal of their operational facilities, mining equipment, machinery, trucks and personnel from the site immediately.
“This action was in line with the government commitment to uphold lawful mining practices, maintain peace within host communities and ensure strict compliance with government directives and established operational procedures,” she said.
The Commissioner emphasised that the decision followed a rigorous review of stakeholder consultations and security reports based on the happenings in the area.
Elayo noted that the activities of the mining company have contravened the standard procedure and exposed the environment and the people to danger.
She highlighted that mining must transition from mere extraction to a model that includes local processing and community development.
According to the Commissioner, the decision was taken in the overriding public interest to ensure that investors align with the state’s policy on establishing functional processing facilities.
”The governor 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,” the Commissioner added.
Dr Elayo disclosed that to prevent breakdown of law and order or unauthorised activities at the site, security agencies would be deployed to the site immediately.
She reassured the public that Nasarawa remains open for business, provided that business is conducted within the law.
”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,” she said.
Elayo urged members of the community and all stakeholders to remain law-abiding as these reforms are implemented to strengthen the mining sector for the collective benefit of the state. (NAN).