By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – IN a bid to ensure community development and a mutual relationship is maintained, a mining giant, African Natural Resources and Mines Limited, ANRML, has ameliorated the plight of the Muro community with two modern borewells in Nasarawa State.

The borewells were commissioned in the community by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake.

Alake, who was represented by the Mines Environmental Compliance, MEC, officer in Nasarawa State, Bitrus Bako, the Minister commended ANRML for the project as far as water is life and directly impacts members of Muro community, and also honoured the Community Development Agreement, CDA, and urged it to sustain it.

In attendance was the Member of Nasarawa State House of Assembly representing Toto Gadabuke Constituency, who was ably represented by Hon. Abu Jonah and former Chairman of Toto LGA, Hon. Aliyu Tasha. The Councillor Gadagba Ward, Barr. Alhassan Idris was present as well.

Others are Mr. Abdulrahman Musa who represented the Federal Mines Officer and the State coordinator for NESREA Nasarawa State, Mr. Bulus Stephen Aji. Also, the Army Commander was represented by Lieutenant Adams, while the Area Commander was represented by ASP Obeka Ngbede. DSS officer Gadabuke Area office, Mr. Daniel Peter and Area Sole Administrator Gadabuke, Hon. ALH. Isah Habis were also present.

He said: “By investing in solar power technology borewells, for the Muro Community,I know this has become a source of clean drinking water to the people.

“This is highly commendable. This action demonstrates corporate responsibility, compliance with statutory environmental and social obligations, and a commitment to sustainable mining activities.

“I wish to commend African Natural Resources and Mines Limited for fulfilling this important obligation under the Community Development Agreement (CDA) framework.

“When communities and companies operate and work together, the outcomes are always more impactful and sustainable.”

Meanwhile, he added, “This event is not just about the commissioning of infrastructure. It is about building trust, strengthening partnerships, and advancing sustainable development in Nigeria’s mining sector.”

The Chief Executive Officer, CEO, ANRML, Anand Dubey, reiterated that his company prioritises the welfare and socioeconomic situation of host communities; therefore, they placed a very high priority on the projects that would ameliorate the plight of host communities.

“We are happy to be handing these two solar-powered bore wells to this community. I can assure you that many such programmes will keep on happening very soon.

“I have worked in the industry for more than 24 years and found out that companies which work with communities and contribute to the community are the most successful companies in the world.

“And ANRML, our company, is very dedicated to the welfare of the community and taking care of the people. As our company keep growing, we will provide more facilities for the people of Muro community. Thank you for your support”, Dubey added.

The Commissioner of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Nasarawa State Hon. Princess Margaret Elayo, represented by a staff, Hosea Bulus, described the project as very key, and expressed appreciation to the management of the company for such intervention at the right time.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Toto Local Government Area,
Hon. Ahmed Baba Yahaya said ANRML’s water project complements and consolidates on the Council’s efforts to provide basic amenities for communities under the LGA, and commended the company’s commitment.

The Group Mining Head, African Industry Group, Partha Gosh, said, “We respectfully seek the continued cooperation and support of our host community, the good people of Muro, in safeguarding these shared projects.

“We are always thankful for the great cooperation and the strong relationship that we have built with you. We encourage the good and great people of Muro and Pesin communities to take full ownership of these projects by maintaining them.”

The Gomo Babye and Chairman Traditional Council, Gadabuke Development Area, His Royal Highness, Alh. Suleiman Aminu lauded the company’s initiative to provide the borewells and promised to mobilise for the protection and maintenance of the facility.

Also, the Village Head of Muro Community, His Royal Highness, Mallam Yusuf Madaki, expressed joy and hailed ANRML over the project, saying joy is flowing in his community.

Similarly, the Village Head Cheku Mr. Zakariya Dagusa expressed great appreciation for the solar-powered borewells. He, however, urged ANRML to assist them with good roads and electricity as well.

The Community youth Leader of Muro community, Mohammed Maji Mustapha, said, “We are glad that what was put on paper as part of the Community Development Agreement is being implemented today. These solar-powered borewells you have provided are very solid, and we are grateful.

“As you have given us this, we will maintain it. We will make sure that this is not vandalised. And we, as the host community, will continue to give African Natural Resources and Mines Limited the support you need for your company to thrive.