The Libata community in Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State has written an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, passionately appealing for his intervention in an ongoing industrial dispute that has led to the shutdown of a lithium mining site operated by Three Crown Mines Limited.
In the letter, which was signed by 45 community members under the auspices of Libata Development Committee Cooperatives Society (LIDECOS), they expressed deep concern over the economic and social stagnation caused by the site’s closure for over a year.
“Mr. President, the industrial dispute of over one year has seriously threatened the industrial and economic development of the Libata community,” the letter reads.
It noted that the peace and security of the community and its environs are currently threatened, while socio-economic activities have been completely grounded, resulting in hardship due to the company’s stoppage from carrying out its legal mining activities.
“Our several unemployed youths who depend on the company for survival are now unfortunately stranded due to the Mining Marshals’ interruption of the company’s mining activities,” it said.
The community blamed the crisis on a legal face-off between Three Crown Mines Ltd—which they describe as the “first company that came to our community to explore the mineral”—and a rival firm, El-Tahdam Exploration Ltd.
They claim El-Tahdam Exploration Ltd has no agreement or authorisation from the host community in the form of a Community Development Agreement (CDA)—a compulsory requirement for the grant of miming titles in Nigeria.
According to the letter, Three Crown Mines was fully licensed in 2023 and complied with all regulations set by both federal and state authorities:
The petitioners listed the firm’s significant contributions to the local economy through CDA to include: Construction of a 13-kilometre road connecting Kebbi and Niger communities; Building modern hospitals in Libata and Kabirba, Sponsorship of 50 youths in tertiary institutions, Sponsoring 45 Muslims for Hajj in 2025, Payment of 13 months’ electricity bills for the entire community, Monthly stipends to local leaders, women, people with disabilities, and youths. Medical support and women’s business empowerment, Security support through motorcycles and allowances for vigilantes
“The company did not relent in carrying out development projects requested by the community; this is in addition to executing projects listed in the CDA,” they wrote.
Tensions escalated when El-Tahdam Exploration allegedly intruded into the lithium-rich site, seizing 10 out of the 27 cadastre units (CUs) already licensed to Three Crown Mines.
The community, however, claims they had no prior engagement or agreement with El-Tahdam.
“El-Tahdam intruded into the lithium-rich fields of Libata and seized 10 Cadastre Units… without authorisation from our community,” they wrote.
They also accused Mining Marshals under the NSCDC of wrongly labelling the Three Crowns company as illegal and sealing off the site.
The Mining Marshall is a specialised force was set up under the present administration to combat the menace of illegal mining in the country.
“The security agencies (Military and Police) that contribute in maintaining the hard-earned peace in the community have been sent out of the community and the company’s site sealed from carrying out mining activities,” they said, saying this has implications for the community’s security.
They further stated that their efforts to seek redress through formal government channels have failed, prompting this direct appeal to President Tinubu.
“We tabled our complaint to relevant organs and agencies of government, but the issue is yet to be addressed,” they wrote, arguing that Three Crown Mines has the full backing of the community and has demonstrated both legal and social responsibility.
“Three Crown Mines Limited is not only the legitimate owner of the mining site… but also deserving of peaceful possession and conduct of business activities on the site.”
The community also reminded the president of their political loyalty to his administration.
“We voted for Your Excellency as president and Dr Nasir Idris as executive governor of Kebbi State… we have unanimously resolved to re-elect Your Excellency and our Governor come 2027.”
The people of Libata, therefore, made a plea to the president.
“We appeal to Your Excellency to intervene and ensure justice is done to our community. Unseal the mining site so that the company can continue to work.
“This will continue to foster progress and development in the community, local government, state and the nation at large,” they concluded.
