EXCLUSIVE: How Nasarawa Govt In Connivance With Environment Commissioner Allegedly Issued Mining Licenses To Chinese Nationals To Operate On The Same Site Which We Own Since 2022 – Timadix Geomin Consult M.D

….”The Actions of The NSG Officials Undermine The Rule of Law As Well Discourage Legitimate Investment In The Mining Sector, And Would Create Unnecessary Tension In The Host Communities”.

Rabiu Omaku

This is to bring to the notice of general public and all relevant stakeholders the current situation regarding Timadix Geomin Consult mining operations in Nasarawa State.

For the records and with documents that serves as evidence, Timadix has fully complied with all legal requirements by obtaining all necessary licenses and permits from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, and the pictures of these documents are available in this report.

Furthermore, Timadix Geomin Consult has made contact with the State Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in Nasarawa State and also secured the required clearance to commence their legitimate mining activities within the State.

It is, however, deeply regrettable and disheartening that the officials of the Nasarawa State Government, particularly the Commissioner of Environment, have taken the law into their hands by unlawfully issuing mining licenses to Chinese nationals to operate on the same site for which we hold legitimate licenses, permits, and documentation since 2022.

The Managing Director, Engineer Tim, described the current unfolding as a direct violation of the federal laws, as mining is exclusively within the jurisdiction of the federal government.

We wish to remind the public and all concerned that mining is exclusively within the purview of the Federal Government of Nigeria, as enshrined in the constitution.

Neither state governments nor their officials have the legal authority to issue mining licenses or interfere in mining-related activities. The actions of the state government officials, especially from the Ministry of Environment, are not only illegal but also a direct affront to the rule of law and federal regulations governing the mining sector.

Despite our compliance and contributions, the said state actors have resorted to tarnishing the good reputation of our company, calling us illegal miners before the general public through dishing out misinformation and unfounded allegations.

To counter these attempts and uphold transparency, Timadix Geomin Consult has provided all the necessary documents and papers that backed them up as legal miners in the state; therefore, they have published all licenses, including our small-scale mining license (SSML 60269) and exploration license (EL 36528). This action and step is necessary to clear the air and ensure the public is fully informed about the legitimacy of our operations.

This will enable the public to distinguish between legitimate miners like Timadix and those engaging in illegal mining activities under questionable government-endorsed arrangements.

As a law-abiding company, Timadix has maintained a positive relationship with the host community through a Community Development Agreement (CDA) under which we have carried out several developmental projects.

Furthermore, we are fully up to date with all statutory mining taxes, fees, and annual service charges as stipulated by federal laws.

It is highly important to encourage and support local miners to actively participate in the mining sector without unnecessary hindrances. Empowering local mining companies strengthens Nigeria’s economy and ensures greater benefits for host communities.

Unfortunately, the current actions by officials in Nasarawa State, prioritizing deals with corrupt foreign entities, undermine this vision, while foreign investors are welcome in Nigeria. Their entry into the mining sector must be through transparent and lawful means, not corrupt practices that disadvantage local stakeholders.

Calling on the federal government and relevant agencies to take immediate steps to address these illegal and disruptive activities by the state commissioner of environment, Honorable Yakubu Boer Kwanta.

Saying the actions of the state government undermine the rule of law as well as discourage legitimate investment in the mining sector and create unnecessary tension in the host communities.

The rule of law must be upheld to ensure that investors and stakeholders in the mining industry can operate in an environment free from unlawful interference and intimidation.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to adhering to the law, contributing to the development of the mining sector in Nigeria, and ensuring that our operations continue to positively impact the host communities and the nation at large.

Speaking on the Cooperate Social Responsibility of his company and the host community, the M. D. said his staff was humiliated by security operatives for hours before they secured his bail.

We have provided solar light to the community. The major trepidation of the community presently is the accessible road network.

To renovate the palace of Mai Angwa

As well embarked on a borehole project.