By Amara Agha, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Government has blamed persistent crises in mining host communities on what it described as the “greed and sabotage” of some community stakeholders. Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Chidi Onyia, made this known on Wednesday while addressing journalists in Abakaliki.
Onyia expressed concern over the manner in which certain influential figures in mining areas allegedly divert benefits meant for their communities, thereby leaving residents impoverished and unaware of their rights. According to him, these stakeholders often collaborate with mining companies to convert community development projects into cash, which they share among themselves.
He described the practice as not only exploitative but detrimental to the growth and stability of mineral-rich communities. “Most of the host communities were totally shortchanged by their stakeholders, not the mining companies,” Onyia said. “I discovered in the course of my duties that they compel companies to monetize proposed community projects for their selfish gains, at the detriment of the natives.”
The Commissioner warned that the state government would not hesitate to expose and sanction those involved in such acts. He stressed the importance of transparency in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) obligations of mining companies, noting that openness in these processes would fast-track development and reduce tensions.
Onyia tasked mining operators with adhering strictly to environmental safety regulations, including adequate sand filling of mining pits after excavation. He said this measure was necessary to curb environmental hazards facing host communities.
He further announced that beginning from 2026, all unregistered miners would be barred from operating in Ebonyi State, citing the adverse effects of illegal and unregulated mining activities.
Recounting findings made since he assumed office, the Commissioner revealed that over the past five years, several mining companies budgeted for scholarships, schools, hospitals, roads, water projects, civic centres, and electrification for host communities. However, he said many of these benefits never materialized because stakeholders allegedly collected the monetary value of the projects for personal use.
“How then will development be felt in mining host communities?” Onyia asked, insisting that the government would continue to clamp down on exploitation and ensure that mining benefits reach the rightful beneficiaries.
