Nigeria Introduces New Guidelines for Mining Operations to Benefit Host Communities
Review of the Nigerian Government’s Revised Mining Guidelines
The Nigerian government has recently introduced new Mining Guidelines aimed at ensuring a harmonized extraction of natural resources between the government, mining operators, and the host communities. The goal of these guidelines is to facilitate the production of Community Development Agreements (CDAs) in order to promote sustainable development in the mining sector.
In a collaborative effort with the African Center for Leadership, Strategy, and Development, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development organized the unveiling of the Revised Guidelines for the CDAs in the nation’s capital, Abuja. Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake, emphasized the need for governments worldwide to implement policies and mechanisms that regulate natural resources and ensure that host communities benefit from mining activities.
One of the key points highlighted by the Minister is the growing use of Community Development Agreements by mining companies to define their relationships and obligations with their host communities. These agreements play a significant role in strengthening and advancing these relationships, thereby promoting sustainable and mutually rewarding benefits from mining projects to the host communities.
The Minister explained that the inclusion of Community Development Agreements in the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (NMMA), 2007 was a deliberate effort by the Federal Government to ensure that mining communities are actively involved in the decision-making processes related to mining operations. Under Section 116 (1) of the NMMA, 2007, Community Development Agreements between Mineral Title Holders and Mining Communities are mandated.
The objectives of the guidelines were also highlighted, with Dr. Alake emphasizing that mining companies have an obligation to protect and improve the welfare of the communities from which they extract minerals of economic value. This includes promoting the quality of life through support for educational institutions, community relations programmes, and infrastructural developments such as roads, markets, hospitals, schools, and provision of essential amenities like water and electricity.
It was also emphasized that the concept of Community Development Agreements has been introduced in the Solid Minerals Sector to create a harmonious and mutually beneficial relationship between mining companies and their host communities. This approach aims to prevent the occurrence of social crises similar to those experienced in the Niger Delta by the Oil Sector, which could undermine the government’s efforts to diversify the country’s economy.
During the event, Mr. Monday Osasah, the Director of Leadership Strategy Development, stressed the importance of the mining guidelines in creating a conducive environment for solid minerals extraction and fostering harmonious relationships with mining companies and the host communities. Dr. Mary Ogbe, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, also highlighted the statutory provision of Community Development Agreements, emphasizing its role in ensuring the transfer of socio-economic benefits to mining host communities.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has worked to address gaps in the existing guidelines by revising them to meet global best practices. The revised guidelines seek to address complaints and petitions from the communities, outlining a framework that promotes sustainable development and benefits for host communities in the mining sector.
