EBONYI STATE GOVERNMENT THREATENS TO REVOKE CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY OF MINERS WHO DESTROY THE ENVIRONMENT.

The Federal Government says it will not subscribe to the investors in the mining sector to operate without taking into account environmental sensitivities. The Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. kayodeFayemi gave the warning during the inspection of mining sites shut down in Abakaliki by Ebonyi State Government.

The Minister was accompanied by the Minister of State for Solid Minerals, AlhajiAbubakarBwari. The mining sites located at Enyigba community in Abakaliki Local Government area of Ebonyi state belong to a firm that specializes in mining Lead, Zinc and salt.

Since the commencement of mining operation in the community, there has been allegations of environmental degradation and destruction of farmlands with oil ponds. Conducting the two Ministers round the affected areas, Governor David Umahi threatened that the State Government would revoke the Certificate of Occupancy of the Company if it failed to comply with the Environmental Impact Assessment of its operations.

Governor Umahi also demanded that the State and Local Governments must have a share in the company to secure the future of children in the community. The Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. KayodeFayemi emphasized that the Federal government would do everything to protect the interest of host communities of mining companies as well as enforce conditions attached to their mining lease.

A Representative of the firm, Mr. VassoGawda said the company was committed to its corporate social responsibilities and promised to corporate with the government to address the contentious issues. The Minister also visited the moribund Nigeria Cement Company Nkalagu where he promised the assistance of the Federal government for its revitalization.

AMECHI ODO