State Assembly Urges Mining Firms to Adhere to Community Agreements

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has called on mining companies and construction firms operating in the state to strictly adhere to Community Development Agreements (CDAs) aimed at improving the living standards of host communities. This call was made during an oversight visit by the House Standing Committee on Environment to Nasarawa Eggon local government.

Led by Chairman Mohammed Adamu Omadefu, the committee visited a quarry site operated by China Harbour Engineering Company in Wowyen and Wogan communities of Nasarawa Eggon local government. During the visit, the committee assessed the company’s compliance with CDAs and international best practices.

However, the committee expressed disappointment with the company’s CDAs, noting that they did not align with the benefits the company derived from the area. Mohammed Omadefu urged the company to revisit and improve its CDAs to better the living standards of the people. The company has since promised to enhance its social responsibilities to the host communities.

In a related development, the Nasarawa State House of Assembly expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the contractor handling the construction of rural roads in Keana, Abuni, and Kanje. Ajegena Kudu, Chairman of the House Committee on NASIEC, Multi-Lateral Cooperation, and Community Development, urged the contractor to expedite work on the project or face the consequences.

Kudu, however, commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for his initiative in improving the lives of rural dwellers by awarding the contract. The Assembly’s actions demonstrate its commitment to ensuring that companies operating in the state prioritize the welfare of host communities and adhere to agreements that promote their development.