The Nasarawa State government has issued a challenge to both foreign and artisanal mining companies to fulfil their corporate social responsibility obligations by providing community projects to host mining communities, thereby preventing discontent.
The State Commissioner of Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Margaret Elayo, stated this challenge during the commissioning of key community projects, including forty solar streetlights, ten solar boreholes, and a two-million-naira donation for medicines to the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Uke, Karu Local Government Area, an initiative done in partnership with Sawadogo Nig Enterprises Ltd.
Dr. Elayo expressed concern that many mining companies, despite obtaining the necessary licenses and land for exploration, often neglect their social responsibilities.
This negligence usually results in tensions and misunderstandings between the mining companies and the host communities, particularly regarding essential services like borehole drilling, educational scholarships for students, and medical facilities.
She said Sawadogo Nig Enterprises Ltd, operating in Uke, has set a positive example by adhering to its social responsibilities, illustrated by its donation of two million naira for drugs to the PHC, provision of forty solar streetlights, and drilling of ten boreholes for the community.
During the commissioning, Dr. Elayo stated that mining companies must contribute positively to the lives of host communities.
“When you are in Nasarawa State and want to engage in mining activities, we require you to do the right thing to avoid disruptions. Generating revenue involves responsibilities, and you must contribute your fair share to the system,” she emphasised.
The commissioner praised Sawadogo Nig Enterprises Ltd for initiating community-oriented projects that align with the ministry’s advocacy.
“What Sawadogo Nig Enterprises Ltd has done for Uke is commendable. I don’t speak or go on mining sites without understanding the situation; Sawadogo they have followed the proper processes and paid their dues to the state and federal governments, which is why they enjoy our support,” she stated.
Additionally, Dr. Elayo noted that the state government is committed to monitoring the compliance of mining companies with CSR obligations and is developing a framework to ensure accountability.
“We are drafting policies that will guide and support mining companies in their endeavours to contribute positively to the communities they operate in,” she added.
Responding, the CEO of Sawadogo Nig Enterprises Ltd, Alhaji Yakubu Sawadogo, expressed his gratitude to the state government for their renewed commitment and support accorded to the company, while assuring that the company would adhere to all mining regulations and positively impact the lives of the host mining community.
Following the commissioning, Dr. Margaret visited the mining site of Sawadogo Nig Enterprises Ltd, where she stressed the importance of environmental sustainability and the need for responsible land reclamation post-exploration.
During her visit to Uke, Dr. Margaret visited the palace of Yakanajen Uke to inform the traditional ruler of her mission to the area, where His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ahmed Abdullahi Hassan, the Yakanajen Uke, commended the proactive dedication of the commissioner in fulfilling her responsibilities.
He honoured her with the traditional title of Tozalin Uke, and assured her that he would use his influence to support the mining companies operating in his domain.