Mangal Industries Limited has declared its readiness to make necessary payments to take over a mining site in Kogi State, and also relocate no fewer than 52 households with full compensation.
The company stated this at the public hearing on the activities of mining companies that are engaged in one business or the other in Kogi State.
The company which is preparing for a 3-million metric tonne per year cement plant has commenced work on the project at Iluhagba in Gbede district of Ijumu Local Government Area of the state.
According to the company’s spokesperson, Mohammed Bello who addressed the Kogi State House of Assembly Adhoc Committee that is conducting public hearings on Mining activities in the state, he said there are plans to relocate the community to its original site where they migrated to where they are presently.
He also told the legislatures would be paid adequate compensation, but, that what is left now is to actually relocate the people or affected Households
“Once they show us the place they want to be relocated, we shall kick start the process by paying compensation, clearing up the place and constructing two-bedroom and three-bedroom flats for them.
According to him, the business is also willing and ready As regards to pay for the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) and other charges for it to start business in Kogi on a clean slate.
He said: “In fact, since 2021 we were ready to pay the ground rent and the C of O but for our request for a discount. But all the same, if that’s not forthcoming, we shall proceed to pay those charges given to us.
“We wish to state here too that we are open to the government having equity share in our company,” he said.
The cement plant and a 50megawatts power plant billed to be completed by the first quarter of 2024, was part of the US$600million deal agreement between Mangal Industries and its partner, Sinoma International Engineering of China.
“Once they show us the place they want to be relocated, we shall kick start the process by paying compensation, clearing up the place and constructing two-bedroom and three-bedroom flats for them.
“As regards our business, we are ready to pay for the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) and other charges for us to start business in Kogi on a clean slate.
“In fact, since 2021 we were ready to pay the ground rent and the C of O but for our request for a discount.
“But all the same, if that’s not forthcoming, we shall proceed to pay those charges given to us.
“We wish to state here too that we are open to the government having equity share in our company,” he said.
The spokesperson said he tendered all the documents the house requested as regards the company’s interest in Kogi.
Mangal Cement, owned by Dahiru Barau Mangal, when completed and in production, would be the second cement plant operating from Kogi State, competing with Dangote Cement.
Speaker of the House, Matthew Kolawale, told the company that the ad-hoc committee would study the documents, and that Kogi would not mind a stake in the company.
“We wish to advise that in commencing your business in Kogi, you should do all that is needed so that you won’t be called back.
“Since you just furnished us with the relevant documents we asked for, we will give you another date to come back here for the hearing.
“As a government, we wouldn’t mind investing in your company, but first make a proposal to us and we will definitely consider it and take it without any hesitation if it is good,” the speaker assured.
