By Bunmi Yekini
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has earned accolades from environmental advocacy groups for summoning Multiverse Synee Mining Company Limited over allegations of environmental violations in Abuni community, Awe Local Government Area. The mining company appeared before the Assembly today, Wednesday, 27 November 2024, at the Assembly complex to address complaints about its operations.
Three prominent groups – Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), and Citizens Free Service Forum (CFSF) – had petitioned the Assembly on 3 October 2024. The petition, submitted through the Chair of the Committee on Environment, Mr. Mohammed Adamu Omadefu, raised concerns about pollution of the Rafin Jaki River, indiscriminate rock blasting, and failure to address community grievances.
In response, Hon. Omadefu led a fact-finding visit to the company’s mining sites in Abuni and Akurba, Lafia LGA, on Tuesday, 26 November 2024. The visit aimed to verify the firm’s compliance with constitutional and environmental standards. “We will not allow what has happened in oil-bearing communities of the Niger Delta to repeat itself in Nasarawa State,” Hon. Omadefu asserted, emphasizing the Assembly’s commitment to protecting local communities from environmental degradation.
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Community representatives, including Abuni Youth Leader Umar Shuaibu, voiced their frustration during the visit. “The company has failed to fulfill agreements on roads, electricity, scholarships, and a hospital,” Shuaibu lamented.
Advocacy groups commended the Assembly’s proactive measures. RDI Executive Director Philip Jakpor praised the summons, stating, “We commend the Nasarawa State House of Assembly and particularly Mr. Omadefu for taking swift action. We will continue to support efforts to ensure mining activities do not harm the people or environment.”
Chima Williams, EDEN’s Executive Director, added, “This bold step is commendable. We urge the Assembly to remain resolute despite pressure from powerful interests. Our support for this cause is unwavering.”
CFSF Executive Director Comrade Sani Baba echoed these sentiments, warning, “The Assembly must resist intimidation. Holding mining firms accountable is vital to prevent an environmental crisis. Anything less is a ticking time bomb.”
The groups have called for a comprehensive environmental audit of Abuni, Uke District, and surrounding areas, as well as the revocation of licenses for firms violating environmental laws. They also demand scrutiny of agreements between mining companies and local traditional rulers.