Nasarawa govt orders evacuation of mining company over alleged security, operational violations
The Nasarawa State Government has directed the immediate shutdown of Lideal Mines Company operating in Endo Community, Udege Development Area, citing alleged security concerns and repeated violations of agreements reached with the host community. The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Margaret Elayo, disclosed the development during a press briefing in Lafia, where she accused […] Nasarawa govt orders evacuation of mining company over alleged security, operational violations
Black News 
The Nasarawa State Government has directed the immediate shutdown of Lideal Mines Company operating in Endo Community, Udege Development Area, citing alleged security concerns and repeated violations of agreements reached with the host community.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Margaret Elayo, disclosed the development during a press briefing in Lafia, where she accused the company of failing to comply with directives earlier issued by the state government.
According to the commissioner, the mining firm had previously been sanctioned over several operational infractions before approaching the court to challenge the government’s action.
She, however, stated that the Federal High Court in Lafia later upheld the state government’s counter-motion, clearing the way for enforcement of the latest directive.
Elayo explained that after extensive consultations with stakeholders, security agencies, and community representatives, the government resolved that the company must immediately begin withdrawing all equipment, machinery, trucks, operational facilities, and personnel from the mining site.
She said the action formed part of the administration’s commitment to ensuring lawful mining operations, preserving peace in host communities, and enforcing strict compliance with state regulations guiding the extractive sector.
“Following engagements with relevant stakeholders and security reports surrounding mining activities within the affected area, the government has directed the company to commence the immediate evacuation of all operational facilities and personnel from the site,” she stated.
The Commissioner further revealed that the company would be given a specified timeframe to complete the withdrawal process in line with government directives.
She noted that the move aligns with ongoing reforms introduced by Governor Abdullahi Sule aimed at repositioning the mining sector to deliver more direct economic benefits to host communities and the state at large.
According to Elayo, the governor has consistently maintained that investors operating in the mining sector must establish functional processing facilities capable of boosting local economic development and creating employment opportunities.
She also announced that security operatives would be deployed immediately to the affected mining location to enforce compliance and prevent any unauthorised activities at the site.
“The deployment will involve relevant security agencies tasked with maintaining law and order as well as protecting government interests within the affected area,” she added.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to support genuine investors, while stressing that all operators must strictly comply with the laws, policies, and developmental objectives of Nasarawa State.
She urged mining companies and host communities to remain peaceful and cooperative as the government continues reforms targeted at sanitising the sector and promoting responsible mining practices across the state.
Nasarawa govt orders evacuation of mining company over alleged security, operational violations
