Mining: Nasarawa to get over 1.5 million dollars yearly for ten years

By David Odama

Nasarawa State government is to receive over 1.5 million yearly for a period of ten years in addition to other incentives.

The amount followed an agreement reached between the Nasarawa Mining Company and Ganfeng Mining Company to takeover the lithium mining site allotted to the state in Endo community.

Satisfied with the feet attained as it is geared towards enhancing activities in the solid minerals sector, Governor Abdullahi Sule rated the efforts that were invested into securing the site from illegal miners high.

The Governor who appreciated the federal ministry of solid minerals development for dividing the contentious lithium site in Endo community of Udege Development area between Nasarawa Mining Company and the two mining companies, however disclosed that this is as a result of the Nasarawa Mining Company to enter into agreement with Ganfeng.

With the license in the name of Nasarawa Mining Company, Governor Abdullahi Sule revealed that the state will earn one point five million dollars ($1.5million)from the agreement with Ganfeng out of which the state government will ensure that the host community benefit from the projects among other incentives worth five hundred thousand dollars.

Pleased with the agreement reach with the Nasarawa Mining Company, Managing Director of Ganfeng, Zhan Dauwu said plans have been advanced to commence the construction of the lithium processing company to provide job opportunities as well ensure value addition to the host community.

“The signing of the corporate agreement between Nasarawa Mining Company and Ganfeng Mining Company is sequel to the fulfillment of the requirements that let to the Ganfeng agreeing to set up a factory within the mining community as earlier highlighted by the state Deputy Governor, Doctor Emmanuel Akabe”.

Speaking during the agreement, the Emir of Nasarawa, Ibrahim Usman Jibrin said the new development has re-echoed the commitment of Governor Abdullahi Sule towards shaping the Solid Minerals sector in Nasarawa State.

He said the return of investment was all for the benefit of the state and the host community.

Meantime, Governor Abdullahi Sule has urged the Nasarawa State Assembly to come up with a new law that will give a legal backing and supports the development of the mining communities in the state.

The Governor stated this while hosting the Speaker and some members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly to present Mohammed Garba Isimbabi following his defection from the NNPP to the APC.

“With the outcome of the agreement for both the Nasarawa Mining Company and the Ganfeng Mining Company to takeover the one point five Cadastral Unit allotted to the Nasarawa Mining Company, it will not be out of place for the legislatures to come up with an enabling laws to back up the operation of the company”, Give. Sule said.

The Governor was optimistic about the commitment of the member to add value to the state through quality legislation, hence the promise to continue to accord him and other members of the assembly the opportunity to contribute to the development of the state.

Welcoming Mohammed Garba Isimbabi for returning to the APC fold, Governor Abdullahi Sule described his return as a signal that other APC members that left the party are on their way back.