**State to get Over N1 Billion in FG Allocation from Solid Minerals

By Abel Abel, Lafia

The longstanding dispute between the Nasarawa mining community and two mining companies has been resolved by a federal government agency under the Ministry of Solid Minerals.
The resolution was announced yesterday in Lafia by the Ministry of Solid Minerals during a courtesy visit to Governor Abdullahi Sule at the Government House.

The Minister of Solid Minerals, represented by Mr. Obadiah Nkom, Director General of the Cadastre Office in Abuja, disclosed that the ministry had submitted a report on the conflict between the mining companies and the Nasarawa State government.
The report detailed the resolution, which included the allocation of 70 hectares of disputed land for mining activities, with 30.4 hectares allocated to the state government.

Mr. Nkom explained that the decision to share the site was made by a committee established to resolve the issue, and he expressed hope that all parties would adhere to the agreement to ensure peaceful coexistence.

Furthermore, Mr. Nkom announced that Nasarawa State has been chosen to host the 6th Council of Mining and Mineral Resources Development meeting in September this year.
The meeting, approved by the Federal Executive Council, is part of the roadmap for the growth of the mining industry.
It aims to engage stakeholders, significantly increase the mining sector’s contribution to the global GDP, and create a globally competitive sector capable of generating jobs and offering competitive shares to all stakeholders across the mining value chain.

The minister also acknowledged the achievements of Nasarawa State in the mineral sector, highlighted by the groundbreaking event of a Lithium Processing Industry in Nasarawa Local Government Area, the largest of its kind in the world.
He noted that the state is becoming an investment hub for mineral and other businesses, thanks to the business-friendly climate created by the current administration’s policies and programs.

As a result of these achievements, Nasarawa State has joined the ranks of four states earning over a billion naira from federal government allocations related to solid mineral royalties.

In response, Governor Abdullahi Sule commended the Ministry of Mining for resolving the conflict and assured that the 1.5 cadastre unit area allocated to the state would be used transparently to develop the host community.
He also expressed gratitude to the federal government for choosing Nasarawa State to host the 6th National Council of Mining and Mineral Resources Development meeting, noting that the event will attract more investors to the state, which is rich in mineral resources.

In a move to address poor maintenance culture, Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, has announced plans to establish a Facilities Management Agency to maintain infrastructure developed during his administration, highlighting the need for sustainability.

This announcement was made at an induction ceremony hosted by the Institute of Global Facilities Management, where the governor was represented by Alhaji Abubakar Odah Akum, who received an Honorary Fellow award.

The Institute’s President, Omachi Jonah, emphasized the importance of such an agency, citing examples from Kaduna and Lagos, and noted it would address issues related to poor maintenance culture in the state.

The governor expressed support for the initiative and sought collaboration with the Institute.
The event also recognized various dignitaries and inducted new members from the Federal Polytechnic and other fields.
Awards, including plaques and certificates, were presented to the honorees.

From Abel Daniel, Lafia

The Nasarawa state government has vowed to put an end to illegal mining activities of any king in the State, asserting that those found culpable will be dealt with decisively in line with the law.

The commissioner of environment and natural resources, Mr. Yakubu Kwanta gave the indication on Wednesday in Lafia, following a claim by a mining entity against the Nasarawa State Government.
He said,
“The attention of the Nasarawa State Government is drawn to a press conference on Friday last week in Jos by one Mr. Tim Eldon of Trimadix Geomin Consult Limited accusing the Nasarawa
State Government of undue interference in their mining operations in the State, particularly, in Kokona Local Government.

“You would recall that on the 19th of April, 2024, which is exactly two months today, the Nasarawa State Government took a bold step to secure the Amba Community
from the activities of illegal miners that has become a threat to the peace and security of the community and its environs.

Mr. Kwanta stated that the action followed a petition from the community chief on illegal minning activities in his domain without a proper clearance

The commissioner however noted that there is an existing
Executive Order No. 02 of 2022 which was signed into Law by governor Abdullahi Sule, which particularly, provides that “all community consent and development agreement made pursuant to Section 116
of the Mineral and Mining Act, 2007 and prior to signing by authenticated community heads shall be forwarded to the Ministry of Justice through the Ministry of Environment and natural resources to be vetted and certified by the Attorney
General of Nasarawa State”.

Mr Kwanta cautioned all intending or illegal miners in the state to ensure they obey the Executive Order which provides that all mining entities arriving the State with authority of the Federal Government to carry out mining in the State must undergo
checks by the Ministry responsible for environment and mining and other security agencies in the State to verify their legal status, citizenship and background before settlement.

He also noted that the ministry under his supervision has carried out series of robust engagements and mass sensitisation to bring to the knowledge of stakeholders in the mining sector operating in the state of the regulatory provisions of the Executive Order No. 02 of 2022 to promote security and safeguard the environment.

While reinstating the commitment of the state government promoting
investment opportunities and the growth of businesses for economic development and poverty reduction, He warned that Government would not compromise its determination to rid the State of illegal mining activities that put the life of the people and the safety of communities in danger.

“We are committed to the full
enforcement of the Executive Order to ensure that our State is safe and communities are protected from exploitation by mining entities.

The commissioner however said that “the so-called mining entity claiming to be licenced to carry out mining activities in Amba community is not known to the Nasarawa State Government according to the provisions of the Executive Order No. 02 of 2022.

He vowed that the mining site remains closed and secured until responsible investors who are trusted by the community and the State, through a proper consenting, are licenced to mine in the area.
“The Nasarawa State Government will continue to watch closely any further development in that mining site, as well as any other place with similar occurrence that is against the interest of peace in the
State and deal decisively with any violator.