The Nasarawa State Government has said mining companies operating in the state must strictly comply with their Community Development Agreements (CDAs) in line with international best practices to foster sustainable development in host communities.
Princess Margaret Elayo, Commissioner for Environment, stated this on Monday during a ministerial media briefing in Lafia.
Elayo said adherence to CDAs by mining firms would accelerate community development and promote peace and stability across the state.
She explained that ministry officials had intensified monitoring visits to mining sites to ensure compliance with environmental standards and agreed obligations.
“We have been visiting mining sites to assess activities and supervise environmental practices to ensure sustainability, in line with the vision of His Excellency,” she said.
According to her, the administration of Gov. Abdullahi Sule remains committed to environmental sustainability and responsible mining practices.
She clarified that the inspections were not intended to witch-hunt operators but to ensure mining activities are conducted responsibly for the overall development of the state.
The commissioner added that the government would ensure mining firms provide safe and conducive working conditions for employees as well as a supportive environment for host communities.
Elayo urged traditional and community leaders to involve the ministry when negotiating CDAs with mining companies to ensure proper documentation and enforcement.
She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to sanitation and environmental cleanliness across the state.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ibrahim Tanko, Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, said the Sule administration’s policies were promoting peace and improving livelihoods.
Tanko noted that government programmes were making measurable impact across sectors, particularly education, and commended journalists for their positive reportage, urging them to sustain professional coverage of government activities.
