By correspondent in Lokoja.
The Kogi State House of Assembly has ordered the immediate suspension of all coal mining activities in Omala Local Government Area pending the conclusion of investigations and further legislative action.
This resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved on Wednesday by Hon. Yahaya Umar, the member representing Omala Constituency.
He called on the State Government to halt the environmental pollution caused by coal mining operations in the area.
Hon. Umar decried the degradation of rivers, farmlands, and water sources by mining companies, particularly in Oloku on the outskirts of Abejukolo.
He accused firms such as Rockbottom Mines and Power, and Mosra Enerji Ltd of operating without contributing to electricity generation as originally intended.
“The idea behind licensing coal mining in Kogi was to support Nigeria’s Electricity Vision 30:30:30, aiming for a 10% coal power contribution by 2030,” Umar explained.
“Instead, these activities have created environmental disasters for our people.”
He alleged that acidic coal waste and heavy metals are being discharged into the Alugbo River, contaminating water that serves several communities, including Otti, Icheke Ajedibo, Ikeffi, Oliya, Ibadan, and Abejukolo.
Umar warned that coal seam exposure causes acid mine drainage, which releases toxic elements like arsenic and lead into water bodies, endangering both human and animal life. He emphasized the growing threat to health, agriculture, and biodiversity.
The lawmaker condemned the failure of mining companies to provide electricity or social amenities to host communities, noting that people continue to suffer the consequences of unchecked industrial activities.
He further raised alarm over similar environmental issues in Ankpa LGA where Zuma 828 Ltd and Dangote are operating.
He called on the House to act swiftly by setting up an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate mining activities, especially those of Rockbottom Mines and Mosra Enerji Ltd.
Seconding the motion, Hon. Jacob Olawumi (Mopamuro) said it was painful that the State is suffering from the exploitation of its own natural resources, stressing that companies violating agreements should be sanctioned.
Hon. Abu Onoru-Oiza Jibrin, Vice Chairman of the Solid Minerals Committee, described the situation as “disturbing,” pointing to the human and animal health risks involved.
He urged the House to invite the companies and suspend further mining until proper remediation is done.
In his contribution, Hon. Idrees Aliyu Maikudi (Kogi Koton Karfe), who accused some traditional rulers of compromising community welfare by granting miners access in exchange for bribes,called for stronger community oversight.
Hon. Yusuf Zakari (Okene II) proposed the enactment of laws banning the sale of land to companies without thorough due diligence and environmental assessment.
Presiding over the session, the Deputy Speaker, Comfort Egwaba, described the situation as “deeply troubling,” adding that environmental degradation must be treated as a shared responsibility across the State.
The House resolved that all coal mining companies must enter enforceable Community Development Agreements and fulfil their Corporate Social Responsibility obligations in line with global standards.
The Ministry of Solid Minerals was directed to conduct a compliance audit of all mining operations in Kogi.
The Deputy Speaker constituted a five-member Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the concerns raised and report back within two weeks.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
