The Ebonyi State Government has sealed four mining companies for failing to comply with the terms of the Community Development Agreement, a framework aimed at ensuring mining companies contribute to the development of host communities.
The shutdown, which took place on Wednesday, was led by the Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Hon. Chidi Onyia, alongside a joint task force.
The affected companies—Anli Mining and Investment Ltd, China Solid Rock 1 and 2 in Ngodo Amachi, Afikpo LGA, and Shenglong Mining in Eziulo, Ishielu LGA—had been given ample time to meet their CDA obligations but chose to ignore the state’s directives, according to Onyia.
“The companies were given sufficient time, since July last year, to meet the CDA requirements but chose to ignore the rules,” he said, emphasizing that the sites would remain closed until full compliance is achieved.
The commissioner criticized the treatment of Ebonyi’s residents, saying, “The people of Ebonyi are being treated as if they have no value.”
He added that while the Mining Act requires every company to prepare a CDA to benefit the local communities, most mining firms in the state have ignored these obligations.
Onyia also highlighted the fraudulent nature of Shenglong Mining’s CDA, which reportedly offered only one million naira annually to its host community, far below expectations.
He contrasted this with other companies in the state that have contributed more significantly, including constructing roads for their host communities.
“The agreement presented by Shenglong is fraudulent. There are clear procedures and templates for developing a CDA. How can a company of this size justify the community’s sole benefit as being one million naira annually?” Onyia said.
He assured that the government would continue to monitor mining activities closely, warning that any company found violating the CDA would be shut down without hesitation.
