Women of Effeche-Akpali Community Demand Land Restoration After Coal Mining Degradation

Strategic Insights -

The women of the Effeche-Akpali community in Ugbokolo, Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State, have been facing hardship due to coal mining activities by Dangote mining company, which they claim has led to the degradation of their arable land. The community has demanded that the company restore their land, citing the loss of their main source of livelihood. The company, however, has denied the allegations, stating that they have not defaulted on their agreement and have been paying surface rent to the community.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Effeche-Akpali community has been affected by coal mining activities by Dangote mining company, resulting in the degradation of their arable land and loss of livelihood.
  • The community has demanded that the company restore their land, citing the negative impact on their environment and economy.
  • The General Manager of Dangote mining company, Nuhu Elegeh, denied the allegations, stating that the company has been living up to its agreement and paying surface rent to the community.
  • The company has completed some of the projects outlined in the Community Development Agreement (CDA) and is currently reclamation and replanting the area.
  • The community has called for the remediation of the land, while the company has promised to hand over the land to them once reclamation is completed.
  • The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and other relevant agencies have been tasked with ensuring proper remediation of the land.

Statistics:

  • The community has leased 62 hectares of land to Dangote mining company for five years.
  • The company pays surface rent of N100,000 per hectare per year.
  • The company has paid N6.3m in surface rent to the community every year since 2020.
  • The community has been experiencing environmental degradation, including air, land, and water pollution, for the past five years.
  • The company has completed some of the projects outlined in the CDA, including the provision of solar borehole, electricity, and classrooms, and have given scholarship to people of the community.

Sources:

  • Green Leaf Advocacy and Empowerment Center (no date)
  • National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) (no date)
  • The Community Women Leader, Mrs. Virginia Abah (no date)
  • Kindred Head of Effeche-Akpali Community in Ugbokolo Clan, Chief Samuel Ameh (no date)
  • General Manager (Special Duties) of Dangote mining company, Nuhu Elegeh (no date)