The Chairman of the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee, Kogi State Chapter, Hajiya Hassiat Ozavize Suleiman has charged policy makers of the Mining Sector to embark on nationwide sensitization to re-educate local host communities
The charge was made in a meeting convened at the instance of the Honourable Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite, to discuss and profer amicable resolution to the ongoing dispute between the people of Ika Community, Sybstec Nigeria Limited and Zuma 828 Coal Limited.
The meeting which was chaired by the Director – General of the Mines Cadastre Office, Engr. Simon Nkom was called as a result of lingering tensions between Ika Community, Sybstec Nigeria Ltd and Zuma 828 Coal Ltd, where claims were made that there is an overlap between the title area of the mining companies, frustration of the Community Development Agreement signing by the host community, claims that Zuma 828 Coal Ltd got their consent from unknown sources, among others.
In her remarks, Hajia Hassiat Suleiman pointed out that it is now a common occurrence where host communities claim that they do not know a particular mining operator even after the said operator may have been operating for a while in that community, citing a similar occurrence between Otih 3 Community and Mosra Enerji Ltd.
Speaking further, Hajia Suleiman reminded the gathering of KOGI MIREMCO’s efforts and the position of the Committee regarding the case till date.
The meeting ended with every party involved agreeing to accept any position MCO proposes provided it would engender peace and development in the area.
In attendance alongside the DG MCO and Chairman Kogi MIREMCO, were the Executive Chairman of Ankpa Local Government Area, the Onu of Ankpa, HRH Umoru Zekeri, representatives of Sybstec Nigeria Ltd and Zuma 828 Coal Ltd, directors of Mines Inspectorate, Mines Environmental Compliance and Legal Departments of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.
Abuja, Wednesday, 6th April, 2022.
By Maymunah Zubair
