Nasarawa Assembly reaffirms commitment to strengthening mining laws

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has reaffirmed its dedication to developing comprehensive mining laws that will ensure a safe and hazard-free environment for the state’s mining activities.

Mr. Mohammed Omadefu, Chairman of the House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, made the statement on Wednesday during a meeting with Dr. Ayo Oluwasusi, Managing Director of Multiverse Mining and Exploration PLC, and his team in Lafia.

Multiverse Mining and Exploration PLC is involved in the extraction of Lead and Zinc in Abuni, located in the Awe Local Government Area.

Omadefu explained that the committee had invited the company’s Managing Director to gather critical information about their operations.

He pointed out that this meeting followed a previous visit to the mining site in Abuni in 2024, where the committee had not received sufficient information from the on-site representatives.

“Today, the MD provided us with the necessary details regarding the Community Development Agreements (CDAs), among other issues,” Omadefu said. “He confirmed that significant improvements have been made in local infrastructure as outlined in the CDAs, and the company is nearing the completion of a youth centre in the area.”

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Omadefu further noted that the committee would conduct a site visit to verify the claimed improvements in infrastructure and other facilities.

The committee chair also emphasized the assembly’s ongoing commitment to fostering the sustainable development of the mining sector in Nasarawa State.

In response, Dr. Ayo Oluwasusi, Managing Director of Multiverse Mining and Exploration PLC, expressed his gratitude to the committee for its proactive approach to supporting the development of the mining sector in the state.

“We follow a standard policy for land reclamation, adhering to international best practices,” Oluwasusi said. “We have enhanced our Community Development Agreements (CDAs) by 80% and now operate in line with global standards for mining exploration.”

The MD also assured that the company has been regularly paying its royalties and is fully committed to complying with all relevant laws and regulations, while continuing its work on the CDAs.