Professionals laud legislative action against miners’ pollution of environment in Kogi East

As a development-focused organisation, the Kogi Professionals Network wish to publicly commend Hon. Yahaya Umar, Member representing Omala State Constituency, for his bold and timely motion on the urgent need to suspend mining
activities in Omala Local Government Area in Kogi East, pending thorough investigation and remedial action.

The motion, adopted by the Kogi State House of Assembly, is not only a demonstration of responsible representation but also a courageous stand in defence of environmental justice, public health, and community welfare. Hon. Umar has
amplified the voices of thousands of citizens whose health, livelihoods, and future have been endangered by unregulated and profit-driven coal mining operations.

In a statement by the Convener of Kogi Professionals Network, Dr. James Odaudu and made available to CAPITAL POST on Thursday in Abuja, said the fact that these companies — licensed under noble objectives of energy development have instead become agents of pollution, land degradation, and social neglect is deeply regrettable. The clear-headed articulation of these realities on the floor of the House reflects Hon. Umar’s commitment to the sustainable
development of his constituency and the state at large.

“We also applaud the Kogi State House of Assembly for unanimously adopting the motion and taking concrete steps by setting up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the matter and recommend actionable solutions. This is how democratic institutions ought to function — responsive, proactive, and accountable.

“This is how democratic institutions ought to function — proactive, people-centred, and accountable. We urge both the State Government and federal regulatory agencies to take immediate steps to enforce environmental standards, protect local livelihoods, and ensure community development agreements are honoured.

“As stakeholders in the future of Kogi State, we at the Kogi Professionals Network stand ready to support this effort with technical insights, environmental advocacy, and policy engagement. We urge the State Government and relevant federal agencies to enforce strict compliance with environmental regulations and ensure that host communities benefit meaningfully from resource extraction in their lands.

Sustainable development is only possible when the voices of the people are heard, and their environment protected. It is in line with this that we passionately appeal to the Government of Kogi State to move swiftly beyond legislative action and implement practical relief measures for affected communities.

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 that would bring succour to our people.