By Igbasuwe Kuza, Lafia

Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, has denied allegations that he personally owns the lithium mining and processing project in Endo, Nasarawa Local Government Area, insisting that the mining licence and agreement belong to the Nasarawa State Government.

The Governor’s clarification comes amid allegations in some quarters that he entered into an agreement with the mining company in his personal capacity and was positioning himself to benefit from the deal after leaving office.

The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Public Affairs, Comrade Peter Ahemba, made the clarification while briefing journalists after an expanded State Executive Council meeting in Lafia.

Ahemba disclosed that the state has received about N2.6 billion from the mining company as part of the financial benefits accruing from the agreement.

He explained that the state government had earlier received more than $1.5 million as a signature bonus, with the funds channeled into development programmes.

According to him, the Endo mining agreement, which involves mining rights and a company operating what has been described as the largest lithium processing facility in Africa, will remain in force until 2051.

He said the arrangement was designed to ensure that successive administrations continue to receive revenue from the mining activities, stressing that the benefits are not tied to Governor Sule’s tenure alone.

Ahemba further disclosed that the Governor opened up the financial details of the deal before traditional rulers and representatives of host communities during the expanded council meeting, and directed stakeholders to identify priority projects to be funded from the latest N2.6 billion proceeds.

He said the move was intended to allow affected communities to determine projects they consider most beneficial, rather than having the administration impose projects on them.

The government also announced plans for a fresh wave of rural and urban road construction across the state, saying work will begin in selected local government areas within weeks before being extended to all 13 LGAs before the end of the administration.

Ahemba added that the Governor has approved N2 billion to reduce outstanding pension and retirement-related liabilities owed to pensioners in the state.

In the education sector, the administration announced the immediate employment of 1,000 primary school teachers through the State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB).

The government further revealed that contracts have been awarded for the construction of three model schools, one in each senatorial district, while contractors handling the Akwanga zone project have remobilised to site.