The Nasarawa State Government launched a decisive operation against illegal mining activities within its jurisdiction, leading to the arrest of the manager of a lithium mining company operating without proper authorization. The operation, spearheaded by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Yakubu Kwanta, involved a collaborative effort with various security agencies, including the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC). The arrest took place at the company’s mining site in Amba Kure community, Kokona Local Government Area. The government’s action underscores its commitment to enforcing mining regulations and curbing unauthorized exploitation of the state’s natural resources.
The targeted mining company had previously been shut down in June 2024 for operating without obtaining the necessary community consent and government approval. Despite the shutdown order, the company’s management defied the directive and continued operations clandestinely, prompting the government’s intervention. The company’s blatant disregard for the state’s regulations, compounded by their alleged boasts of influential backing, further fueled the government’s resolve to address the issue. The commissioner condemned the company’s actions as economic sabotage, highlighting the potential loss of revenue and the security risks posed by such unregulated operations.
The operation aligns with the recent directive issued by Governor Abdullahi Sule, mandating the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to actively pursue and eliminate illegal mining activities and associated criminal elements within the sector. This directive underscores the governor’s commitment to sanitizing the mining sector and ensuring that the state’s natural resources are exploited responsibly and contribute to the overall well-being of the community and the state. The government’s actions serve as a strong deterrent against illegal mining operations and emphasize the importance of adherence to established regulations.
The commissioner’s statement highlighted the alleged involvement of influential individuals colluding with mining firms to undermine the government’s efforts to regulate the sector. This revelation underscores the complex challenges faced by the government in enforcing mining regulations and the need for a multi-faceted approach to tackle the issue effectively. The government’s commitment to protecting the interests of its people and preventing exploitation, regardless of the influence wielded by these individuals, reinforces its dedication to responsible resource management.
The incident highlights the importance of community engagement and government oversight in the mining sector. Legitimate mining operations must prioritize obtaining community consent and securing the necessary government approvals to ensure that mining activities benefit both the local communities and the state as a whole. The commissioner emphasized that natural resources should be a source of prosperity for the people, and the government is committed to preventing exploitation by unscrupulous actors.
The Nasarawa State Government’s decisive action against the illegal lithium mining company sends a clear message that it will not tolerate unauthorized exploitation of its natural resources. The arrest, coupled with the public condemnation of the company’s actions, serves as a deterrent to other potential violators and reinforces the government’s commitment to enforcing mining regulations. The collaborative efforts of various security agencies demonstrate a unified approach to tackling illegal mining and highlight the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing this complex issue. The government’s actions also underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in the mining sector, ensuring that the benefits of natural resource exploitation accrue to the people and contribute to sustainable development. The call for all miners and mining firms to register with the state government further emphasizes the government’s commitment to regulating the sector and ensuring responsible resource management.
