The Chairman of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Adamu Omadefu, North Central Nigeria has raised alarm over environmental degradation and exploitative practices by a Chinese mining company, Multiverse.
He disclosed this on Monday during a virtual media briefing saying residents of Abuni, a mining community in Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, are treated like slaves.
The revelations followed an oversight visit to the community, prompted by a petition from civil society organisations (CSOs) highlighting the plight of mining communities in the state.
The petition, signed by Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), and Citizens Free Service Forum (CFSF), urged the Assembly to address environmental and social issues in Abuni and Uke districts.
The petition also called for an environmental audit, review of Community Development Agreements (CDAs), and sanctions against companies violating mining laws.
Speaking on the committee’s findings, Hon. Omadefu described the situation in Abuni as dire.
“What we discovered was an eyesore. The water sources in the community are heavily polluted, and the company itself confirmed that the water is not fit for consumption. Yet, this is what residents and workers rely on,” he said.
The community, he added, lacks basic infrastructure, including healthcare facilities. This absence has left residents vulnerable to health hazards caused by environmental pollution from mining activities.
Omadefu also decried the exploitative practices of Multiverse, noting that workers are poorly remunerated and subjected to harsh working conditions.
“The workers are paid a daily wage of N2,500 despite working long hours from morning to evening. Offences attract fines of N10,000, which is unjustifiable given their meagre earnings,” he said.
He warned that the systemic neglect and exploitation of the community could lead to unrest, particularly among the youth who feel abandoned and mistreated.
The lawmaker accused the company of failing to honour its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations and CDA with Abuni.
“Multiverse has failed to provide roads, health facilities, or skill acquisition programs as promised in the CDA. Their actions show a complete disregard for the well-being of the host community,” Omadefu said.
He assured that the House of Assembly would enforce compliance with mining agreements and ensure that communities receive the benefits they are entitled to.
Omadefu stated that the committee would intensify its oversight of mining activities across the state to prevent further environmental and social violations.
“We will invoke relevant laws against any company found violating its obligations. Mining companies must prioritize the welfare of their host communities and mitigate the environmental impact of their activities,” he said.
He also called on traditional leaders and stakeholders to scrutinize agreements with mining companies to safeguard community interests.
Calls for Accountability
The petitioners demanded a comprehensive environmental audit of mining operations in Abuni and Uke districts, alongside the revocation of licenses for companies failing to adhere to environmental and social standards.
This development adds to growing concerns over the unregulated exploitation of natural resources in Nasarawa State, which is rich in minerals but plagued by environmental and social challenges.
The Nasarawa Assembly’s findings echo wider calls for sustainable mining practices that prioritize environmental conservation, community welfare, and adherence to corporate social responsibilities.
By Dare Akogun
