13/05/2026
Nasarawa Govt Orders Immediate Withdrawal Of Lideal Mines Company From Udege
By Ibrahim Abdul, Lafia
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The Nasarawa State Government has directed Lideal Mines Company to immediately cease all operations in the Endo Community of the Udege Development Area of the state.
This directive, issued by Governor Abdullahi Alhaji Sule, was conveyed by the Commissioner of Environment and Natural Resources, Princess Margaret Elayo, during a press briefing at the NUJ Secretariat in Lafia on Wednesday.
The commissioner stated that this decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders, security evaluations, and a thorough assessment of mining activities within the state.
"All operational facilities, machinery, trucks, and personnel of Lideal Mines are to be removed from the site immediately," she emphasized.
The state government provided a specified timeframe for Lideal to comply fully with the order, which includes halting all mining operations and the movement of raw materials from the area.
This directive underscores the administration's commitment to lawful mining practices and prioritizing community welfare.
The commissioner asserted that the action serves the public interest as part of ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the mining sector for responsible investment, community benefit, and sustainable economic development.
She highlighted the necessity of aligning mining activities with government policy, which promotes the establishment of processing facilities benefiting local communities.
To enforce adherence to this directive, the state government will deploy security personnel to oversee activities at the mining site, preventing unauthorized operations.
Princess Margaret noted that relevant security agencies will be involved to maintain law and order in the area.
Officials have urged all stakeholders, including host communities and mining operators, to remain cooperative and law-abiding as the state implements reforms designed to benefit the people of Nasarawa State.
On behalf of the state government, Princess Margaret Elayo expressed gratitude to Diamond New Energy Investment Company for establishing a lithium processing factory in Nasarawa.
This investment aligns with Governor Abdullahi Sule's vision and mission to transform Nasarawa State into a premier investment destination.
In light of this development, she urged both Lideal and Diamond New Energy Investment Company to return to the dialogue table with the state government.
The objective is to resolve the ongoing issues concerning the cadastral units in Endo Village, located in the Udege Development Area.
This new development follows a federal high court order directing Lideal to cease all mining operations in Nasarawa State.
The ruling was issued by the presiding judge, Justice Mobolaji Olubukola Olajuwon, at the Federal High Court in Lafia.
