From Yakubu Mustapha Minna
The Chinese Government is in talks with Niger State Government to avert possible litigation over activities of illegal mining perpetrated by some of its expatriates companies across the state, and especially at Zuma Rock.
At the end of the meeting, the Governor-elect, Umar Mohammed Bago, who spoke on behalf of the state government, disclosed that the Chinese delegation, led by the country’s Ambassador to Nigeria, is in the state to discuss ways to ‘settle out of Court’.
He said activities of the Chinese illegal mining companies have caused inestimable damage to Nigeria’s National monument at Zuma Rock and directly affecting the host communities in the area.
The Governor-elect noted that, although the Chinese government has been a mutually beneficial partners, the state government could not fold its arms and watch helplessly as it’s resources are being depleted albeit illegally and environmentally degraded perpetually.
Earlier, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. CUI Jianchun said he was in the state to jointly discuss with the state government on how to curb and resolve the issue of illegal mining by some Chinese companies and strengthen their bilateral relationship.
The Chinese Ambassador disclosed that the two sides have agreed to broaden economic ties hoping that, after inauguration of the new administration, it would open more frontiers for business and development partnership.
