The chairman of the Nasarawa state House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Hon Adamu Omadefu, has exposed alarming environmental degradation and exploitative labour practices by Multiverse, a Chinese mining company operating in Abuni, Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa state.
Omadefu, who raised the alarm during a virtual media briefing, painted a grim picture of the conditions in the mining community. Residents are subjected to polluted water, inadequate infrastructure, and neglected basic needs.
According to him, the water sources, contaminated by mining activities, are unfit for human consumption—a fact confirmed by the company itself. “The situation is dire. The community lacks essential facilities, such as healthcare, leaving them vulnerable to severe health risks caused by environmental pollution,” Omadefu stated.
The revelations followed an oversight visit prompted by petitions from civil society groups, including the Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), and Citizens Free Service Forum (CFSF). The groups demanded an environmental audit, stricter community Development Agreements (CDAs) enforcement, and sanctions against non-compliant companies.
Omadefu accused Multiverse of exploiting its workers, who are reportedly paid as little as N2,500 per day despite gruelling hours, criticising the company’s failure to honour its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments, which included promises to provide roads, healthcare facilities, and skill acquisition programmes. “These actions show complete disregard for the well-being of the host community,” Omadefu said, warning that continued neglect could spark unrest among disillusioned youth.
The lawmaker assured the assembly would hold mining companies accountable for violations and ensure compliance with existing agreements. “We will invoke relevant laws against any company found flouting its obligations. Mining firms must prioritise community welfare and mitigate environmental damage,” he declared.
