Dele Alake, the minister of solid minerals development, has emphasized the importance of ensuring that host communities benefit from mining operations. He made this statement at the 2023 West African mining host communities indaba in Abuja. Alake highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing the security of the mining environment through a new security architecture.
In his address, Alake stressed that everyone present at the conference comes from a host community and, therefore, the need to prioritize the welfare of these communities. He expressed the government’s determination to ensure that host communities receive maximum benefits from mining operations in their areas.
Alake also mentioned the existence of a law that regulates activities between miners and host communities. He emphasized the need for material benefits for these communities and the requirement for community development agreements (CDAs) to be signed between host communities and operating companies.
However, Alake acknowledged the challenges in the implementation of these CDAs, citing altercations, disagreements, and difficulties in determining genuine community leaders. He assured that the ministry is working on policies and mechanisms to minimize disputes and ensure maximum benefits for all parties involved.
Furthermore, Alake affirmed the government’s commitment to establishing a sustainable governance structure for the mining sector. He emphasized the significance of this structure in driving the sector forward and translating policies into tangible achievements.
Alake also highlighted the shift in focus to the country’s abundant solid minerals, emphasizing their importance for the economy, especially in the global transition to clean energy.
In conclusion, Alake emphasized the ministry’s dedication to revitalizing the neglected solid minerals sector and leveraging these resources for sustainable development and economic growth.