Anambra State Government Wades Into Uga Mining Dispute, Orders Review Of Licences, Environmental Safety, Community Benefits

Anambra State Government has assured Uga Community in Aguata Local Government Area, of its determination to address concerns surrounding mining activities, environmental safety, community welfare and the legality of mining operations at Umudimishii Umuoru Village.

The Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Professor Charles Ofoegbu, gave the assurance during a peace meeting with Umuoru Village representatives, representatives of the four quarters of Umudimishii Umuoru and mining stakeholders from the area in his office at the Jerome Udoji state Secretariat Awka.

According to Professor Ofoegbu, Anambra State Government would prioritise peace, public safety and the protection of affected villages in resolving the dispute to prevent further damage to drainage channels, roads and surrounding communities, including stopping activities that could worsen flooding and environmental degradation.

He stressed the need for reclamation of affected sites, explaining that areas requiring restoration would be identified as part of government's decision-making process, while environmental impact assessment and relevant technical reports would guide the determination of whether mining could continue as government would examine the conditions necessary for any future reopening of affected sites.

The commissioner, who expressed concern over the formalisation of community benefits and corporate social responsibility arrangements, noted that some agreements and financial commitments had not been properly documented through the ministry and called for the regularization of community development agreements and greater accountability in the relationship between mining operators and host communities.

While declaring that he would consult relevant authorities before communicating a final decision on the disputed operations, Commissioner Ofoegbu reaffirmed government's overriding objectives which according to him, are to maintain peace, protect the environment and ensure that mining activities in Anambra State contribute meaningfully to the development of host communities.

In his reaction, the General Chairman, Umuoru Village Uga, Chief Festus Nnaumere, expressed satisfaction on what he described as a matured and professional way Commissioner Ofoegbu presided over the meeting by prioritizing peace as the hallmark of any successful community, advising his people to maintain peace and order.

In his submission, the miner, Chief Ndubuisi Egbogu, who is the immediate past chairman of Umudimishii Umuoru Uga, alleged that some community members were attempting to take over his mining licence from him and maintained that the licence is not transferable, hence his reason to approach the commissioner for a peaceful and lasting resolution.

Mr. Egbogu expressed his readiness to cooperate with the commissioner’s peace initiative, stressing that no businessman would want to operate in a troubled environment.