The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has passed a new bill aimed at regulating mining activities across the state, with a particular focus on controlling the issuance of land consent and community agreements granted to mining companies.
The bill, passed during Tuesday’s plenary session, was announced by the Speaker of the House, Danladi Jatau, who said the legislation would strengthen the mining sector while curbing illegal operations.
“This law, when signed by the governor, will go a long way in addressing the menace of illegal mining in Nasarawa State,” Jatau stated.
The new legislation introduces significant penalties for non-compliance. Corporate mining companies found violating the law will face a fine of ₦10 million or a prison term ranging from two to five years. Individuals or groups involved in illegal mining will each be liable to a ₦5 million fine or similar imprisonment terms.

A key provision of the bill is the establishment of a Community Development Fund (CDF). This fund aims to ensure that mining communities benefit directly from local resource extraction through infrastructure and social welfare projects.
Under the new law, mining companies are required to contribute five per cent of their annual revenue to the CDF. Half of this contribution will go directly to cash payments for the host communities, while the remaining 50 per cent will be allocated for project financing.
“The goal is to promote sustainable development and improve the living conditions of communities impacted by mining,” the speaker explained.
Following the passage of the bill, Speaker Jatau directed the Clerk of the House to prepare a clean copy for the governor’s assent.
Earlier in the session, the Majority Leader, Suleiman Azara, moved the motion for the bill to pass its third reading, which was seconded by Minority Leader Luka Zhekaba.