Nasarawa Indigenes Demand 40% Equity in Mining, Reject Money Politics Ahead of 2027
Our Correspondent
Concerned indigenes of Nasarawa State have called for an immediate overhaul of how the state’s mineral wealth is managed, demanding 40% equity for locals in mining licenses and vowing to mobilize for “indigenous governors” in the 2027 elections.
In a communique issued on August 24, 2026, under the theme “OUR LAND, OUR RESOURCES, OUR FUTURE”, the group said Nasarawa, widely known as the “HOME OF SOLID MINERALS”, is rich in lithium, barite, salt and gold, yet host communities continue to live in poverty, with bad roads and polluted water.
“We can no longer fold our arms while our God-given wealth is used to build other people’s homes while our own houses crumble,” the statement read.
“Foreigners and non-indigenes are getting rich from our land while our communities suffer.”
They questioned how many Nasarawa indigenes currently hold mining licenses and how many youths are benefiting from mining activities on their soil. They declared that “we will not be slaves in our own land” and insisted that any mining agreement in the state must prioritize direct equity, jobs and development for host communities and indigenes first.
The group also condemned vote-buying and what it described as political “warpers” who offer ₦5,000, ₦20,000 and ₦50,000 during elections. “Your future is not for sale,” it stated, adding that it rejects leaders who see Nasarawa as a place to “harvest and leave” and candidates with no ancestral stake in the state.
Looking ahead to 2027, the group said they are fully behind “tested, trusted sons and daughters of Nasarawa” for governor.
“We will mobilize, we will organize, and we will vote to retire the wicked haters of Nasarawa,” the communique said. “
We will vote for those who understand our pain, speak our language, and bleed for our land.”
To address the issues, the group demanded an immediate audit of all mining licenses in Nasarawa with 40 percent reserved for qualified indigenes and host communities, enforcement of Community Development Agreements with mining companies, and the establishment of a State Mineral Corporation with indigenous equity.
It also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, security agencies and traditional elders to reject money politics and protect the will of the people.
“To every Nasarawa indigene, WAKE UP! This is our land. These are our minerals. This is our future. “Let us rise, let us defend our land, let us vote wisely, and let us reclaim what belongs to us. The group concluded.
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