By Dare Akogun
Chairman of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Hon. Adamu Omadefu, has expressed dismay over the deplorable conditions of mining communities in the state, alleging that residents are being treated as slaves in their own land.
The lawmaker made this assertion during a virtual media briefing after an oversight visit to Abuni community in Awe Local Government Area, where a Chinese mining firm, Multiverse, operates.
The visit followed a petition by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), including Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), and Citizens Free Service Forum (CFSF).
The petition, dated October 3, 2024, urged the Assembly to address the plight of mining communities, revoke licenses of erring companies, and audit the environmental impact of mining activities in Abuni and Uke districts.
Hon. Omadefu described the committee’s findings in Abuni as shocking.
“What we discovered was an eyesore. Everything raised in the petition was confirmed as true. The mining companies are treating our people as slaves in their own country,” he lamented.
He revealed that aside from the environmental degradation caused by mining, the only source of water in the community has been contaminated.
“The company itself confirmed that the water is not fit for drinking, yet this is what both the workers and the community rely on,” Omadefu said.
The lawmaker also noted that the community lacks basic healthcare facilities, leaving workers and residents without access to medical care.
According to Hon. Omadefu, workers at the Multiverse site are subjected to inhumane treatment.
“The company pays workers a meagre daily wage of N2,500, despite long working hours from morning to evening. Offenders are fined N10,000 for any infractions,” he stated.
He warned that such poor treatment is breeding resentment among the youth in the community, which could have dire consequences in the future.
The committee also criticized the mining company for failing to fulfil its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations and Community Development Agreement (CDA) with the host community.
“There are no roads, no healthcare facilities, no skill acquisition programs, and no tangible contributions to the community as stipulated in the CDA,” Omadefu said.
He assured that the Assembly would take steps to ensure that mining companies comply with their obligations.
“We will not take this lightly. Violators of the CDA will face the full weight of the law. Our committee will continue to visit mining communities to hold these companies accountable.”
Hon. Omadefu called on mining companies to adhere strictly to agreements with host communities and improve the welfare of workers and residents.
“We will ensure that mining companies contribute meaningfully to the development of mining communities and the state at large,” he added.
The lawmaker also urged other stakeholders, including traditional rulers, to scrutinize agreements with mining companies to protect the interests of their communities.
The petition by the CSOs called for an environmental audit of Abuni and Uke districts, revocation of licenses for companies found wanting, and a review of agreements with traditional leaders.
This development adds to growing concerns over the environmental and social impacts of mining activities across Nasarawa State, which hosts significant mineral resources.
