Monday, December 23, 2024 - The Nasarawa State Government on Sunday arrested the manager of Trimadix Geomin Consult Limited, a lithium mining firm, for operating without authorisation in the state.
The operation, led by Mr Yakubu Kwanta, Commissioner for Environment and
Natural Resources, involved a joint team of security agencies, including the
Police, Department of State Services, DSS, and Nigeria Security and Civil
Defence Corps, NSCDC.
Speaking to journalists in Amba Kure, Kokona Local Government Area,
Kwanta disclosed that the firm had been shut down in June 2024 for failing to
obtain community consent and state government approval. However, the company
resumed operations clandestinely.
“We got information that they entered the site at night and started
blasting. That is why we mobilised and stormed the place immediately.
“They are bragging that they have the backing of some prominent persons
in the country and that the state government cannot stop them from operating.
“We will no longer tolerate any act of economic sabotage that could deny
us the desired revenue and constitute a security threat,” Kwanta said.
Kwanta reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to curbing illegal
mining and protecting the interests of local communities.
He cited Governor Abdullahi Sule’s recent directive to clamp down on
unregulated mining activities and eliminate security threats associated with
such operations.
“Natural resources are supposed to be a blessing to our people, so any
company coming to mine in the state must obtain community consent and
government approval to ensure that both the community and the state benefit.
“We will not allow our people to be shortchanged by anybody, no matter
how highly placed,” the commissioner stated.
He warned against economic sabotage and called on mining firms to adhere
to state regulations.
0 Comments