Mining: Minister urges miners to maintain cordial relationship with host community

By Gloria Akudoro, Abuja

The Minister of State, Mine and Steel Development, Dr Uchehukwu Sampson Ogah, has enjoined mining operators to be deligent and ensure they co-exist peacefully with the host community country for the benefit of all.

Dr. Ogah stated this during his facility tour at BUA Cement, Okpella, Edo State on his 3-day Working visit in the state recently.

The minister in accompany with Edo State Commissioner, Ministry of Mining, Oil and Gas, Ethan Uzamere, the Zonal Mines Officer, Abdulkadir Adamu, the Ministry’s entourage also visited Okpella Cement Plc (Dangote) and Zhong xin quarry all located in the northern part of the state, said operating within Mining Extant Laws would engender peaceful coexistence between operators and host communities.

He therefore encouraged them to maintain good community relationship for enhanced production, stating that maximum production of the plant would be of immense benefit to the Federal Government and create jobs for lots of Nigerians.

The Minister hinted that the interaction with Mining Operators would enable government know the challenges faced by operators and interven by profering solution. He added that the Ministry is committed towards helping them succeed. Saying, “the success of the plant makes the Ministry happy.”

Dr. Ogag in a Press Release signed by the PR Director, enjoined the Management to consider the request of the community and provide mast for cellular services for them, asking that they speak with cellular service providers on behalf of the community.

Meanwhile, the Plant Director, Engr. Ahmed Idris, noted that 98% of raw materials used for production were sourced in the vicinity. He added that the Plant had two lines with a production capacity of 3 million tonnes each. He disclosed that they were planning to have more lines of production.