*Reaffirms commitment to host community development despite operational challenges
By Victor Nwegede.
A Chinese mining company operating in Nigeria, Gemrock, has appealed to the Nigerian government for increased support to foreign investors to enhance local development, even as it reaffirms its commitment to its host community in Ebonyi State despite facing mounting operational and security challenges.
Speaking to journalists yesterday at Okpoto in Ishielu LGA of Ebonyi State, Gemrock’s Operational Manager, Kelvin Tsao, emphasized the company's ongoing corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts and its dedication to the development of the communities in which it operates. He highlighted initiatives such as the provision of potable water and educational support, noting that the company has already drilled two boreholes in the host community, with plans for more in the coming year.
“We had a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), it’s documented, and so far our relationship is cordial.
We have drilled boreholes as part of tackling the perennial potable water challenge facing our host community — one last year, another this year, and more are planned for next year. All the boreholes are functioning," Tsao stated.
In addition to water infrastructure, Tsao revealed that the company has provided financial aid for educational projects, including a donation made before Christmas last year. “Every year, we assist the community in one way or another to ensure even development,” he added.
Despite a decline in patronage at its Ebonyi operations, Tsao reaffirmed Gemrock’s resolve to maintain positive relations with the local community. The company’s workforce, he noted, includes residents of the host community as well as workers from various Nigerian states including Kogi, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Ogun and others.
“We have 50 people in our workforce; some are from the host community, but the majority are from other parts of the country,” he said.
However, the Operational Manager pointed to security and taxation as major impediments to business operations, urging both state and federal governments to take concrete action to support investors. “Security is a major concern. We have soldiers here, but they can't cover everywhere. Ebonyi and other parts of Nigeria are good places to do business if the security issue is tackled head-on," he pointed out.
He also cited language barriers and tax burdens as additional challenges. “Sometimes we find it difficult to engage with citizens because of the dialects, and the tax policy is another challenge. There are times we even borrow money to pay taxes,” Tsao lamented.
Calling for a more investor-friendly environment, he appealed for a review of current government policies that could make the business climate more conducive for foreign investors. “We contribute to the development of the state. Government should recognize that and assist us, especially with security and more investor-friendly policies,” he said.
It could be recalled that Gemrock’s remarks come amid broader discussions about how to attract and retain foreign direct investment (FDI) in Nigeria’s mining sector, particularly in underdeveloped regions like Ebonyi State, which are rich in mineral resources but hampered by infrastructure and security concerns.
Tsao, thus, maintained that as foreign investors continue to engage with Nigerian communities, the call for greater government collaboration to address systemic challenges may shape the future trajectory of investment and development in the region.
