Environmental advocacy groups have applauded the Nasarawa State House of Assembly for summoning the Chinese firm, Multiverse Synee Mining Company Limited, to appear before it today (Wednesday, November 27, 2024), at the Assembly complex. The summons is in response to concerns over the environmental impacts of the company’s mining activities in the Abuni community, Awe Local Government Area of the state.
The groups—Renewal Development Initiative (RDI), Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), and Citizens Free Service Forum (CFSF)—had petitioned the Nasarawa State House of Assembly through the Chair of the Committee on Environment, Honourable Adamu Omadefu, on October 3, following an SOS call from local residents. The community had complained about the pollution of the Rafin Jaki River, as well as other issues, including indiscriminate rock blasting and the company’s insensitivity to their plight despite multiple complaints.
Earlier this week, RDI, EDEN, and CFSF met with Hon. Omadefu, urging the Assembly to conduct a fact-finding visit to the community, as well as Uke District, where residents are facing similar environmental challenges caused by illegal mining activities.
In a swift response, Hon. Mohammed Adamu Omadefu, Chairman of the Committee on Environment, led committee members to inspect the mining sites operated by Multiverse Synee Limited in the Abuni community and Akurba, Lafia LGA, on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. During the visit, the committee evaluated the company’s compliance with constitutional requirements for operating in the state.
Hon. Omadefu emphasized the Assembly’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Nasarawa communities, stating, “We want to know what is happening in our communities and will not allow Nasarawa State to face the same challenges as the oil-bearing communities of the Niger Delta.”
During the visit, community youths, including Umar Shuaibu, the Youth Leader of Abuni, expressed disappointment with the company for failing to honor agreements with the community, which included the provision of roads, electricity, scholarships, and a hospital.
In reaction to the summons, RDI Executive Director Philip Jakpor said, “We commend the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, particularly Hon. Omadefu, for their proactive approach in holding the company accountable. We are committed to working with the state government to ensure that lithium and other mineral extractions do not harm the people or the environment.”
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Similarly, EDEN Executive Director Chima Williams remarked, “This is a commendable feat. We encourage Hon. Omadefu and the Assembly to remain steadfast in confronting the powerful interests backing these illegal activities. We pledge our continued support for this cause.”
CFSF Executive Director Comrade Sani Baba added, “The decision by the Nasarawa State House of Assembly to side with the people in addressing the environmental crises in Abuni and other areas is commendable. We urge them to resist any form of intimidation and ensure that mining firms are held accountable. Anything short of this is a ticking time bomb.”
Among their demands in the petition, the three organizations are calling for a comprehensive environmental audit of Abuni, Uke District, and surrounding areas. They also urge the government to revoke the licenses of any mining firms found to have violated Nigeria’s environmental laws and to scrutinize agreements between mining firms and traditional rulers in affected communities.
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