By Elizabeth Okwe| April 30, 2025

In what many have described as a timely and courageous step, Hon. Yahaya Umar, the lawmaker representing Omala State Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, is receiving accolades for raising the alarm over the environmental and public health crisis caused by coal mining in his constituency.

The motion, which called for an immediate suspension of all mining activities in Omala Local Government Area, has drawn commendation from across the state — most notably from the Convener of the Kogi Professionals Network and seasoned development administrator, Dr. James Odaudu.

Reacting to the motion, Dr. Odaudu described Hon. Umar’s action as “a courageous stand in defence of environmental justice,” saying it was refreshing to see a legislator so passionately defending the health and welfare of his constituents.

According to him, “These mining companies were licensed to support Nigeria’s electricity development goals, yet instead of power, they have brought pollution, contaminated rivers, and destroyed farmlands in host communities.”

He praised the Kogi State House of Assembly for backing the motion and setting up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the matter, describing it as “how democracy is supposed to work — responsive and people-centered.”Dr. Odaudu, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, also issued a passionate appeal to the Government of Kogi State to move swiftly beyond legislative action and implement practical relief measures for affected communities.

Dr. James Odaudu
Convener, Kogi Professionals Network

“We urge the State Government to begin immediate clean-up of polluted water sources in Omala and surrounding areas, while putting in place a sustainable plan to provide potable water as a long-term solution,” he stressed.

He further emphasized the need for mining companies operating in the state to honor their corporate social responsibilities and sign enforceable Community Development Agreements (CDAs) with the local government administrations in line with global best practices.

“Profiteering must not come at the expense of our people’s lives and their future, We trust that the government of Governor Usman Ododo will  do the needful as usual ” Dr. Odaudu added.

The coal mining controversy in Omala and other parts of Kogi State has stirred increasing public concern, with calls for stronger regulation, corporate accountability, and community protection gaining momentum.

* Umahi describes project as a jinx broken and true testament of Mr. President’s love for the North

The Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) Nweze David Umahi has described the award of the contract for the construction of Sokoto – Badagry Superhighway as a forty-eight year jinx being broken and a show of love for the people of the Northern part of the country by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He disclosed this at the flag off ceremony for construction works on the Section I, Phase 1A of the project in Ilelah town, Sokoto State on Thursday, 24th October, 2024.

Umahi informed the gathering that the idea of the project was first muted during the first tenure of former President Shehu Shagari but could not be started earlier than the present, describing it as a payback to the people of Sokoto for the massive support given to the Tinubu Presidency at the 2023 polls, while also soliciting for same and much more during the 2027 elections. He further described the epoch-making event as a manifestation of one of the Legacy Projects of Mr. President, spanning over 2,000 km with the North having 52% and the South 48.

The Minister revealed that the choice of rigid pavement i.e. concrete in its design and construction is informed by longevity, while that of the contractor, Messrs Hitech Construction (Nig.) Ltd is premised on capacity to deliver according to specifications and on schedule due to availability of both brand new equipment and requisite manpower. It has done a similar pavement work on the Apapa – Oshodi Expressway in Lagos State and is doing same on the Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway.

While appreciating the unwavering commitment and support of Members of the National Assembly for the President’s infrastructure renaissance, he equally thanked the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) for the promise to provide security for the entire stretch of the corridor, while the work lasts.

In welcoming guests at the occasion, the Deputy Governor, Sokoto State and Commissioner of Works, Hon. Idris Mohammed Danchadi alluded the project to “a dream come true” for the loyal people of the State.

Briefing the massive crowd at the Ceremony, the Director, Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Bakare Umar and the representative of the Director, Highways, Bridges and Design, Engr. Musa Seidu described the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto – Badagry Superhighway as a Trade, Transport and Security (TTS) Greenfield corridor traversing Sokoto state through Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and terminating in Lagos State. They opined that the project seeks to reduce transportation costs, improve trade, connectivity, efficiency and economies of scale around the corridor and beyond. The 120-kilometre, 6-lane highway, 3 lanes on each side is to be separated with beautiful median landscaping, solar street lighting and modern digital signages, adding that it will link various existing inter-border towns and routes, provide quick access, enhance border settlements for trade, security support and enablement. The length of Section I, Phase 1A starts from Km. 0 + 000 (Ilelah, Sokoto State) and ends at Silame on the Sokoto/Kebbi State border, according to them.

In separate Good Messages, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu disclosed that at a Town Hall Meeting in July, 2024 at Birnin Kebbi, the Minister spoke about plans to embark on the project. He said that the flag-off represents the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to transform Nigeria and a proof that building viable and lasting infrastructures is possible. Also another former Governor of Kebbi State and Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Sen. Adamu Aliero stated that upon completion of the Superhighway, travel time between Sokoto to Lagos will be drastically reduced by 48 hours, adding that dams for irrigation and electricity generation and rail lines are amongst its integral parts.

The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Onyekachi Peter Nwebonyi dubbed the Minister of Works as “Mr. Projects,” further assuring Nigerians of getting value for their money. While the Vice Chairman, House Committee on Works, Hon. Usman Banye said it was a rare honour and a privilege to be a part of the epoch-making ceremony, also described the project as a catalyst for economic growth and a testament to Mr. President’s desire to better the lives of the citizenry.

Speaking, the Minister of State for Works, Barr. Mohammed Bello Goronyo revealed that the project is a clear testament of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present Administration. He further stated that, as a Member of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), he has heard the Minister spoke about the project in Council for a record three times, which is a demonstration of his, as well as the President’s love for Northern Nigeria, also a passion for infrastructure development.

On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Sa’ad Abubakar promised to gather brothers and sisters in Sokoto and its environs to assist the Ministry in the delivery of the project, which is very dear to the people of Northern Nigeria. He used the opportunity to admonish leaders to, always, prioritise the welfare of the populace in their deeds.

In his Speech, the Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu who flagged off the project, on behalf of the President, was full of praises for the Federal Government. While mentioning that the gigantic road project, when completed, will link the state with the Central and Western parts of Nigeria, he promised to provide adequate security cover throughout the length and breadth of the alignment within his jurisdiction.

The Executive Governor also, specifically, expressed the sincere gratitude and best wishes of the entire people of Sokoto to Mr. President for adding yet another Ministerial slot to the State in yesterday’s cabinet reshuffle.

Mohammed A. Ahmed,
Director, Press and Public Relations.
24th October, 2024.

By

Princess Etuk

A report by the Environmental Resources Management and EnvAccord Limited has revealed that the Kano-Niger rail project will lead to the displacement of 12,695 homes and 2,064 assets on the railway corridor.

Commissioned by the Africa Finance Corporation, the report indicates that the project will lead to the loss of 12,695 residential homes and 2,064 other assets across various states in northern Nigeria.

These conclusions are outlined in the environmental and social due diligence assessment conducted for the proposed railway line.

According to the report, the displacement will affect 19,238 individuals economically, while also leading to the resettlement of numerous communities along the railway route.

It said, “The project will run through 122 communities in 25 Local Government Areas across three states in Nigeria, and 11 communities in three communes in Niger Republic.

“In addition, according to the supplementary RAP report, physical and economic displacement will involve the loss of 12,695 residential houses, the loss of 2,064 complementary assets, and 19,238 economically displaced persons.”

The assessment focuses on a 393km railway route that traverses the Nigerian states of Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina, extending to Maradi in the Republic of Niger.

The project involves the construction of 13 stations and various ancillary buildings, and is anticipated to enhance transportation infrastructure between Nigeria and Niger.

The extensive displacement outlined in the report has sparked concerns about the project’s social impact, especially on the affected communities.

Despite these challenges, the report suggests that the negative effects can be mitigated with proper social safeguards and resettlement planning.

However, considerable effort is still needed to ensure that compensation and resettlement practices meet international standards.

A critical aspect of the project highlighted in the report is the issue of land acquisition and involuntary resettlement.

The assessment identified gaps between Nigeria’s land compensation rates and the standards required under international guidelines.

The report noted that compensation for the loss of structures, crops, and trees is based on government rates without adjustment for inflation or compliance with the Land Use Act.

This has resulted in a significant number of aggrieved persons, particularly in the Jiba Community of Sandanmu LGA, Katsina State, where compensation was initially paid to the wrong individuals, reflecting potentially unlawful behaviour in the process.