did you hear about the Third West African Mining Host Community “Indaba” in Abuja? It was quite a gathering, and let me tell you, it was a real eye-opener. The Executive Director of Global Rights, Abiodun Baiyewu, had some strong words for the government and stakeholders. She basically called them out for exploiting mining communities and making decisions without involving the host communities. She talked about how the extraction and trade of resources from these communities lead to conflicts, corruption, and violence. It’s a real mess, and something needs to be done about it.
Abiodun Baiyewu mentioned that the Nigerian Constitution and the constitutions of other West African states have provisions to prevent the exploitation of resources for reasons other than the good of the community. But despite these provisions, the situation hasn’t improved. She used the term “resource curse” to describe the environmental damage, insecurity, unemployment, and poverty in extractive rich communities. She also highlighted the impact of climate change on these communities.
The most striking thing she said was about the exclusion of extractive host communities from important decision-making gatherings. She questioned how decisions about their future could be made without their input. It’s a valid point, isn’t it? After all, they are the ones directly affected by the exploitation of their lands.
She explained that the purpose of the “Indaba” was to bring together governments, mining companies, and the impacted communities to find solutions to the challenges faced by West Africans. It’s all about open and inclusive dialogue, sharing experiences, and collectively finding solutions. It’s about time the people most impacted have a say in their own future.
Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), also spoke at the event. He emphasised the need for a unique task force to address the issues affecting the mining sector, including insecurity. He highlighted the role of mining in providing commodities for renewable energies and climate technologies, stressing the importance of climate smart mining practices.
He also talked about the responsibility to govern resources with transparency and accountability, ensuring that the benefits are equitably shared and the environment is protected. He suggested the creation of a mines police and security task force to combat illegal mining and smuggling, similar to the NDLEA for drug trafficking.
In conclusion, the event aimed to set the stage for a broader conversation on how to turn the resource curse into a blessing. It’s about ensuring that the wealth derived from West Africa’s minerals benefits the many, not just a few. It’s a collective responsibility to make sure that these resources become a catalyst for peace, development, and progress. Let’s hope that the discussions at the “Indaba” lead to positive change for the region.