The District Head of Maginga in Yauri Emirate, Kebbi State, Abdulmalik Nuhu Wara, has reportedly demanded that the mining company El-Tahdam vacate the land it occupies in the region, stating that its continued presence is escalating tensions and could lead to violence. The request was made in a letter dated April 24, 2025, addressed to the Managing Director of El-Tahdam Exploration Limited. In the letter, Wara urged the company to “stay off” the land to prevent unrest and insecurity within the community.
The letter, titled “Notice of Demand to El-Tahdam Exploration Limited,” was signed by Wara alongside sixty-three other stakeholders from Maginga and neighbouring communities. These communities, including Libata, Kabirba, and Kwanga, have categorically stated that they did not grant El-Tahdam any consent for the Exploration Licence No. 45689 EL or the Mining Lease No. 62680 ML, or any other associated licences.
The letter further explained that the local landowners had already given their consent to a different company, Three Crown Mines Limited, which had been granted Exploration Licence No. 45158 EL since June 2023. The community representatives stressed that they had no knowledge of or connection to El-Tahdam and were not willing to engage with the company.
The letter went on to highlight a series of issues with El-Tahdam’s claims. One of the individuals allegedly involved in giving consent to the company, Abdullahi Usman, denied any ownership of land in the affected area. Additionally, Murtala Musa, a former secretary to the District Head, stated that he had been misled into endorsing the purported consent for El-Tahdam, and after realising the error, had issued a letter of disclaimer to the Mining Cadastre office.
The community representatives made it clear that the only company with legitimate consent from the local landowners is Three Crown Mines Limited, with whom they have signed a Community Development Agreement as required by the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act. The community also emphasised that this agreement is based on a long-standing trust and mutual respect between the people and Three Crown Mines.
This move against El-Tahdam comes amid growing concerns over the company’s operations in the region and the potential for conflict. The community’s stance highlights the importance of obtaining proper consent and ensuring transparency in the licensing process to avoid further unrest.
