MINING IN KOKONA HALTED FOR A WEEK BY NASARAWA AUTHORITIES
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By: Fasasi Hammad
The Nasarawa State Government has ordered a temporary suspension of all mining activities in Kokona Local Government Area, imposing a one-week shutdown to ease tensions between Timadics Mining Company and its host community.
The decision was announced on Tuesday in Lafia by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Princess Margaret Itake Elayo, during a stakeholders’ meeting with officials of Timadics Mining Company and representatives of the Agwada community.
The intervention followed complaints from members of the host community, particularly the Egboka and Agbadu families, who accused Timadics of beginning exploration activities without following proper procedures or fulfilling agreed community obligations.
Earlier, Governor Abdullahi Sule had ordered a fact-finding mission that led to the mediation meeting convened by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.
At the meeting, Timadics CEO Kenneth Dongtoe denied allegations of illegal operations, asserting that the company had obtained the necessary approvals for exploration and carried out several corporate social responsibility projects, including the construction of schools and community facilities. He noted, however, that the company is still awaiting the final issuance of its mining licence from the Mining Cadastral Office.
The situation is further complicated by an ongoing dispute with another Chinese firm, Black Gem New Energy, which is reportedly in court with Timadics over alleged encroachment on mining sites. While the host community confirmed a consent agreement with Black Gem, concerns were raised over the company’s acquisition of a CR4 on land designated strictly for mining.
After reviewing submissions from all parties, Princess Elayo, alongside the Executive Chairman of Kokona Local Government Area, emphasized that no mining operation will be permitted without a properly executed memorandum of understanding with the host community.
All companies involved were directed to submit relevant documentation to the ministry for verification. The one-week suspension is intended to allow a thorough review and guide the government’s next steps.
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