The Plateau State Government (PLSG) has expressed dissatisfaction that the mining and exploration activities of the 1950s, 60s and 70s in the state were very extensive, but that no meaningful compensation has been paid to the state coffers in respect of the damage done. 

The state commissioner of Minerals Development, Mr Adabok Zandi, stated this during the closing ceremony of a special training programme for staff of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development at the Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geosciences (NIMG), Jos, over the weekend adding that the state governor, Jonah Jang was working out ways to making a case before the United Nations. He charged the participants to make use of the knowledge they gained during the training exercise to better the lots of their ministry and the nation as a whole.

The Plateau State Government (PLSG) has expressed dissatisfaction that the mining and exploration activities of the 1950s, 60s and 70s in the state were very extensive, but that no meaningful compensation has been paid to the state in respect of the irreparable damage done. 

The state commissioner of Minerals Development, Mr Adabok Zandi, stated this during the closing ceremony of a special training programme for staff of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development at the Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geosciences (NIMG), Jos, over the weekend. He added that the state governor, Jonah Jang was working out ways of making a case before the United Nations in respect of the compensation. He charged the participants to make use of the knowledge they gained during the training exercise to better the lots of their ministry and the nation as a whole.

Earlier, in his address, the Acting Provost of the training institute, Dr Ebenezer Damisa, said the 48 participants had been trained in several key areas of mines surveying including rudimentals of quarrying operation, mining practices, and Environmental procedures. He called on federal and state legislators, who are mining policy makers to avail themselves of the training, as it will help them in their decision making process.

Furthermore, he said “the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has consistently identified the minerals and metals sector as a strong driver in the diversification of the nation’s economy. This strong belief has been re-iterated on various occassions by the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Alh. Musa Mohammed Sada, that the development of the mineral endowments of the country can engender massive employment, create rural wealth and provide opportunities for accelerated development”.

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Compensation for mining activities: Plateau state government my seek redress from FG or the UN