The Nasarawa State House of Assembly Committee on Housing, Environment and Natural Resources has strongly urged mining companies operating within the state to adhere strictly to existing environmental laws.

This directive was issued with the express goal of making the environment safer and healthier for the state’s citizens.

The committee’s Chairman, Mr. Mohammed Omadefu, made the call on Wednesday during an inspection visit by the committee to LandMass Resources Development Limited, an organization exploring Lithium in the Udege Area Administrative Council of Nasarawa State, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria.

Omadefu clarified that the inspection visit was a mandated part of the House’s constitutional responsibilities, stating: “We are here to fulfill our constitutional responsibilities as an arm of government as the constitution as empowered us to oversight the environment for the benefit of our people.”

He stressed the core purpose of the visit was investigative: “We are here to see things for ourselves with the view of correcting any abnormalities, if discovered.”

The Chairman emphasized the broad scope of their oversight powers, asserting: “As the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has empowered us to oversight activities on the environment, air, water and others in the state.”

Beyond environmental compliance, the committee also focused on corporate social responsibility.

Omadefu noted: “We are also here to know whether your company is adhering to the Community Development Agreement (CDA) in line with mining international best practices or not.”

He concluded his address by succinctly stating the committee’s expectation: “What we want from you is nothing but safer and healthy environment and the development of our people.”

Omadefu reassured the public that the committee is dedicated to ensuring that mining companies operate responsibly, confirming: “We will continue to do our duties by visiting mining sites and others to ensure that right things are done for the betterment of our people.”

In response, Mr. Jack Jiang, the Managing Director of LandMass Resources Development Limited, commended the committee for its dedication to ensuring a safe and healthy environment for the community and the state.

Speaking through the firm’s Public Relations Manager, Mr. Benny Modey, Jiang also thanked the committee for creating an enabling environment for their operations via synergy with the state government. He firmly reiterated the company’s commitment to adhering strictly to the extant environmental laws for the overall development of the state.