The Kogi State House of Assembly has ordered an immediate suspension of all coal mining activities in Omala Local Government Area amid rising concerns over severe environmental degradation and public health threats allegedly caused by mining companies operating in the region.
The resolution was passed during a plenary session on Wednesday, following a motion of urgent public importance raised by Hon. Yahaya Umar, the member representing Omala Constituency. He criticised the damaging impact of coal mining on local ecosystems, particularly the pollution of rivers, destruction of farmlands, and contamination of drinking water sources.
Umar identified Rockbottom Mines and Power and Mosra Enerji Ltd. as two major companies accused of discharging acidic coal waste and toxic heavy metals into the Alugbo River. The river is a crucial water source for several communities, including Oloku, Otti, Icheke Ajedibo, Ikeffi, Oliya, and Abejukolo. He warned that these activities pose a grave danger not only to human health but also to livestock, crops, and aquatic life.
Despite being licensed under Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan to support the national grid, Umar noted that the companies had failed to deliver electricity or meaningful development to their host communities. He lamented that residents still lack access to clean water and other basic amenities.
Supporting the motion, several lawmakers expressed outrage at the exploitation of the state’s natural resources. Hon. Jacob Olawumi (Mopamuro) described the situation as “unfortunate,” arguing that Kogi is being short-changed. Hon. Abu Onoru-Oiza Jibrin, Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, said the mining firms appeared more concerned with profit than the well-being of the people. He stressed the urgent need to halt operations until long-term solutions are found.
Hon. Idrees Aliyu Maikudi (Kogi Koton Karfe) criticised some traditional rulers for allegedly facilitating illegal land access to miners. He cautioned that such complicity must stop. Similarly, Hon. Yusuf Zakari (Okene II) advocated for new legislation to prevent firms with weak financial backing or insincere commitments from acquiring mining rights.
Presiding over the session, the Deputy Speaker underscored the broader impact of environmental damage across Kogi, citing similar problems in Ankpa, Ijumu, and Ajaokuta. She called for the enforcement of Community Development Agreements and insisted that mining companies must meet their corporate social responsibilities in line with global standards.
Following the debate, the House directed the State Ministry of Solid Minerals to conduct a compliance audit of all mining operations to ensure they adhere to environmental and regulatory requirements. The Assembly also urged the state government to provide clean, alternative water sources to the affected communities.
To reinforce legislative oversight, a five-member Ad-hoc Committee was set up to investigate the activities of coal mining companies in Omala. The committee has been given a two-week deadline to report its findings to the House.
