The lingering crisis to that had existed between Endo Community in Nasarawa State and two Chinese mining companies, Gangfeng Lithium Processing Company Limited, Lideal Mines has been resolved by the Federal Government.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake made this disclosure when he led a delegation from the Ministry on a courtesy visit on Governor Abdullahi Sule at the Government House, Lafia, on Friday, August 30.
The Minister announced that, based on the report and recommendations of a Fact Finding Committee set up by the Nasarawa State Government, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has approved the controversial 3.5 cadestral units to be shared between Nasarawa State and the two mining companies.
The Minister who was represented by Engineer Obadiah Simon, Director-General, Mining Cadastre Office, said the decision was also informed by the concern shown by the governor towards making sure that the mining sector is developed by rightful people, that there is community all-inclusiveness, and need to have benefits for the community, and even the state at large.
According to the Minister, developing the sector is not easy in terms of investment, especially that it is made up of a lot of people, community, land owners and security towards managing the potentials of the state.
“In attendant to that, there have been challenges along that line. That is why continually His Excellency has never relented in coming to the Ministry in relating to all stakeholders to now be able to develop the sector and ensure there is peace,” he stated.
He pointed out that evidence abound indicating that all over the world, mining areas are usually associated with insecurity.
“We are happy that Nasarawa State has not been torn into a war zone because of your careful, articulate vision,” Alake said.
He said his ministry is aware of the financial and human resources committed by the Governor in ensuring that the state is not torn apart by illegality.
Thereafter, the Minister presented to Governor Sule the approval letter detailing the appropriate sharing of the 3.5cu.
Responding, Governor Abdullahi Sule, said by delving in to resolve the lingering mining controversy in Nasarawa Local Government Area, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has ensure tremendous development in the state.
Governor Sule said through that singular gesture, the Minister has brought in a new dimension to the partnership between various state governments, the various communities where these minerals are located and the ministry.
“This is what we have been asking for, this is what we have been looking for. Any time there is this correlation and this partnership between the ministry, the various states and the communities then there will be peace in the way forward,” he said.
Reeling out the sharing formula, Governor Sule assured that the 1.5cu given to the state will be judiciously managed such that the Endo community will also benefit.
“I am happy the communities are also here, in line with our policy on transparency. This 1.5cu that has been allocated is going to go into production immediately because of the partnership agreement that we are signing with one of the companies. They have already promised how much they are paying us as a state in form of signature bonus. I promise you that one-third of that amount will go immediately to the local government and community for them to decide what to do with the money,” he added.
The Governor charged the state lawmakers representing Nasarawa Local Government Area at the state assembly and the Chairman of the council, to liaise with other critical stakeholders from the area with a view to taking a decision on how best to utilize the funds.
“Our own is to say this is what you are going to receive. If we receive it in dollars, you will also receive it in dollars. If we receive it in Naira, you receive it in Naira. We are going to be so transparent with you and then you can decide on your own part, along with other stakeholders in the community what you need,” he stated.
He added that, based on the terms of the MoU signed, the mining company that will go immediately into production on the 1.5cu, has also agreed to pay a certain amount of money to the state every year.
He promised to present that before the next state executive council so that the council will collectively take a decision on how much should be given to the community.
“If they accept from me we can say one-third of that automatically goes to the community every year so that they can have peace. The remaining two-third will be used for the state in a very transparent manner so that people of the state will also benefit,” he added.