Nasarawa Assembly to penalize mining companies breaching community development agreements
…The CEO of Multiverse Mining & Exploration Plc and Synee Allumony are summoned to appear before the House
….Lawmakers enter 120-meter mining pit to inspect lead, zinc exploration in Abuni
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly Committee on Environment, has requested the presence of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Multiverse Mining & Exploration PLC and Synee Allumony, before the committee on Wednesday this week at the Assembly Complex by 10am.
The committee explained that this was necessary to enable the companies to provide justification for their non-compliance with the Community Development Agreement (CDA) with the host community of Abuni, Awe LGA.
During an on-site assessment visit to the mining site in Abuni, Awe LGA today, Monday, Hon. Mohammed Adamu Omadefu, Chairman of the committee, gave the directive.
According to Hon. Omadefu, the purpose of the visit was not to unjustly criticize the company, but to ensure its adherence to internationally recognized mining standards.
He stated that we are unhappy with the conditions we have witnessed, which include poor accommodations, a lack of functional medical facilities, and substandard hygiene, among other concerns.
” We are not here to witch hunt or stop work but We are here to see things for ourselves, how the mining companies are doing.
” Are they up to date in their Corporate Social Responsibilities and the Community Development Agreement with Abuni, Awe LGA.
” We are also here to ensure that the companies are operating in line with mining international best practices, its norms, rules and regulations.
Hon. Omadefu urged the companies to live up to expectations and responsibilities for the overall development of the community and the state at large.
” Up till five years now, you have not met with your Corporate Social Responsibility and CDA with Abuni community. is it a sin that the government allowed you to operate.
” You have not provide road, health facility, no skill acquisition among others as contained in the Community Development Agreement.
” We as Committee, we will not take it likely with you, you must live up to your responsibilities,” he said.
Hon. Omadefu assured of the committee’s readiness to ensure that the right things are done in communities where minerals are mined.
” We will continue to visit mining communities in order to ensure that mining companies provides their Corporate Social Responsibilities.
” This is to ensure the development of mining communities and the state at large,” he said.
The committee chairman cautioned mining companies against violating Community Development Agreement saying that the House will not hesitate to invoke relevant laws against violators.
On their parts, Hon Abel Yakubu Bala, Hon. Mohammed Garba Isimbabi and Hon Onarigu Onah Kana, have lamented over poor provision of social amenities to the company workers and its environs.
They urged the company to do the needful in order to better the standard of living of the people of the community.
Also speaking, the District Head of Abuni, Awe LGA, Mr Khali Usman appreciated the committee for the visit.
He said that the visit would not only encourage the company to live up to their expectations but would also improve on the standard of living of the people of the community and others.
The District Head prayed God to bless and grant the members of the committee safe journey to their various destinations.
Responding, Mr Okiki Oluwaseun, the Site Manager of the company appreciated the committee for the visit and promised to do the needful for the overall development of the area and the state at large.
” We appreciate you for the visit. We are promising that we will do those things we are yet to do,” he said.
The District Head, however, appealed for the provision of network in the area.
It would be reported that the committee inspected power plant, control room, warehouse, staff residents, toilet, water, crusher plant, processing plant and 120 meter pit among others.
