Nasarawa govt signs EO2 to protect mining communities

Nasarawa state government has signed an Executive Order No. 02, to protect host mining communities from insecurity and criminal activities in their surroundings across the state.

State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Kwanta Yakubu, stated this, Wednesday, during a news briefing in Lafia.

He said the order was to ensure that mining companies operating in the state to adhere to the terms and agreements of their license.

He explained that under the order, host communities are restricted from bequeathing rights of occupancy of their lands to entities for the purpose of mining.

The commissioner added that the state government in conjunction with relevant agencies as well as traditional institutions in the state had commenced implementation of the Executive Order with a view to prosecuting violators.

“In compliance with the order, all mining companies along with the host communities are to submit two copies of all previously signed community agreements before or on 30th January, 2023 to the ministry for vetting and certification.

“All mining entities arriving and doing business in the state must report to the ministry for the purpose of documentation and identification of their operational status for peace and security.

“All mining entities doing business in the state must ensure that they pay all mining and other related taxes, levies, fees, charges promptly to the Central Billing System domiciled with the Nasarawa State Internal Revenue Service.

“All mining host communities are hereby restricted from bequeathing Rights of Occupancy of lands to entities intending to carry out mining activities.

“Holders of mining license are restricted to the powers conferred on them by the minerals and mining Act, 2007 and the Land Use Act, 1978.