The Nasarawa State Government has ordered the immediate shutdown of Lideal Mines Company in Endo Community, Udege Development Area for allegedly breaching security and agreements reached with the host community.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Margaret Elayo, announced the decision during a press briefing in Lafia, stating that the company had repeatedly violated operational directives issued by the state government.
Elayo explained that the company had earlier been shut down over several infractions, but its management approached the court seeking an injunction to overturn the government’s action.
She said the state government subsequently filed a counter-motion, which was upheld by the Federal High Court in Lafia, paving the way for the current enforcement action.
“Following a series of engagements, stakeholder consultations, security reports, and developments surrounding mining activities within the affected cadastral units, the Nasarawa State government has directed Lideal Mines Company to immediately commence the withdrawal of all its operational facilities, mining equipment, machinery, trucks, and personnel from the site.
“This action is in line with the commitment of the administration of His Excellency to uphold lawful mining practices, maintain peace within host communities, and ensure strict compliance with government directives and established operational procedures within the state,” she said.
The commissioner added that the government would give the company a specific timeframe to complete the evacuation process from the mining location.
“Accordingly, the state government intends to grant the company a stipulated period, to fully comply with the directive and conclude all withdrawal activities from the mining location,” she stated.
Elayo said the action formed part of broader efforts by the state government to reform the mining sector and ensure that operations benefit local communities and the economy.
According to her, Governor Abdullahi Sule has consistently insisted that mining activities in the state must align with government policies, especially the establishment of processing facilities capable of creating direct economic benefits for host communities.
“His Excellency has consistently maintained that mining activities within the state must align with the policy direction of the government, particularly the requirement for investors to establish functional processing facilities that directly benefit host communities and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy,” she said.
She further disclosed that security agencies would immediately be deployed to the affected mining site to enforce compliance and prevent unauthorised activities.
“In furtherance of this directive, the state government shall immediately deploy security personnel to the mining site to ensure total compliance with the directive of His Excellency and to prevent any unauthorised activity at the location.
“The deployment will involve relevant security agencies mandated to maintain law and order and secure government interests within the affected area,” Elayo said.
The commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting genuine investors while ensuring strict adherence to laws and operational standards.
“The Nasarawa State government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for genuine investors while also ensuring that all operators comply with the laws, policies, and developmental objectives of the state,” she added.
“We therefore urge all stakeholders, including host communities and mining operators, to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and cooperative as the government continues to implement reforms aimed at strengthening the mining sector for the collective benefit of the people of Nasarawa State.”
