By joshua 
The Federal Government through the ministry of Solid Minerals Development, has approved the allocation of 3.5 Cadastre Units (CU)- about 70.4 hectres of land, to two companies and the state government in Nasarawa Local Government for mining activities.
The moves was part of efforts to resolving the lingering conflict between the companies and communities over portion of land for mining activities.
Mr Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, disclosed the approval for the allocation of the CU to Governor Abdullahi Sule, during a courtesy visit on Saturday in Lafia.
Alake, represented by Mr Obadiah Nkom, Director-General, Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office, said that the approval followed the recommendation of a committee set up to resolve the conflict.
He added that the CU would be shared appropriately in line with the committee’s recommendation.
Alake stressed the need for peaceful resolution of conflicts over mining sites by all stakeholders in order to facilitate the development of the sector.
He appreciated the governor for accepting to host the 6th National Council meeting on Mining and Mineral Resources to be held in the November , 2024 in the state.
According to him, peaceful and stable environment was necessary for attracting and sustaining investment in the solid minerals sector.
He explained that Nasarawa was chosen as the host state due to the state government’s dedication and historical contributions to mining operations.
Alake further explaining that the upcoming meeting in November would be divided into two sessions: Technical and Executive, saying that the arrangement would facilitate constructive discussions aimed at propelling the mining and mineral resources industries to new heights.
“The council for mining and mineral resources development is an initiative of the Federal Executive Council to serve as a prime consultative platform for all stakeholders in the mining industry to engage with the ministry.
“The council is the highest decision making body on policy matters on mining and mineral resources development. I would therefore, like to thank the Nasarawa State government for the approval given to hold the meeting in the state,” he said.
On his part, Governor Abdullahi Sule expressed his gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development for choosing the state to host the 6th National Council on Mining and Mineral Resources meeting.
Governor Sule expressed gratitude to the ministry for its efforts in resolving the long-standing disputes between the state government and two mining companies in Nasarawa LGA over mining portions and royalties.
He also drew the Minister’s attention to the massive unexplored mineral deposits in the Kokona and Keana LGAs of the state, and he urged the federal government to investigate the matter in order to explore the minerals.
Earlier , the State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Yakubu Kwanta, gave assurances regarding the state government’s support of federal initiatives aimed at enhancing the nation’s mining and mineral resources sectors.
The Nigerian Post reports that the team brought with them a letter from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, that included specific recommendations for resolving the conflicts based on the findings of a committee’s report.