Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has issued an executive order detailing new verification processes to mining companies operating in the state.

Yakubu Kwanta, Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, disclosed this at a press conference on Wednesday in Lafia.

According to the commissioner, Executive Order No. 2, 2022, is also aimed at ensuring adequate security for mining communities.

Mr Kwanta said the order also mandated that institutional and technical support be provided to artisanal miners in various communities.

He explained that under the order, all mining companies and their host communities are to submit two copies of previous agreements they had to the ministry for vetting before January 30.

“Mining entities arriving in the state with the authority of the federal government to carry out mining must report to the ministry to verify their legal status, citizenship and background before settlement in the communities.

“All mining entities arriving and doing business in the state must report to the ministry for the purpose of documentation and identification of their operational status for peace and security.

“All mining entities doing business in the state must ensure that they pay all mining and other related taxes, levies, fees, and charges promptly to the Central Billing System domiciled with the Nasarawa State Internal Revenue Service,” he stated.

The commissioner said the government had barred communities from bequeathing Rights of Occupancy of lands to entities intending to carry out mining activities.

He said all holders of mining licences in the state had been restricted to the powers conferred on them by the Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 and the Land Use Act, 1978.

The commissioner further said the ministry would ensure restoration and repair of the integrity of degraded land and environment in mining communities as required by law.

He said the ministry would work with security agencies to enforce the order and arrest and prosecute defaulters.

(NAN)