The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has just rolled out the new guidelines for the Community Development Agreement (CDA). This is all part of the ministry’s plan to put an end to the clashes between communities and mining companies. And get this, a whopping 252 mining companies have already signed up for the Community Development Agreement to provide basic facilities to the communities in Nigeria.
During the launch of the revised CDA in Abuja, Alake spilled the beans on the main goal – to raise awareness about the importance of a Community Development Agreement for sustainable mineral resources development. He didn’t shy away from admitting that mining projects can have both positive and negative impacts on host communities. And you know what? The negative effects often lead to endless complaints and sometimes even resistance, which could force the mines to shut down.
According to Alake, these agreements are a better way for mining companies to define their relationships and responsibilities with their host communities. It’s like a roadmap to strengthen and advance their relationship. He said, “The CDA can help prevent a “repeat of social crises experienced in the Niger/Delta by the Oil Sector, which may undermine the present efforts of the Federal Government aimed at diversifying our monolithic economy.”
The Ministry has been keeping a close eye on the implementation of CDA covenants by mining companies through field monitoring, enlightenment, education, and sensitisation exercises. And guess what? They’ve seen a significant increase in compliance with the Community Development Agreement. There have been some major wins in the signing of Community Development Agreements between Mining Operators and their respective Host Communities.
Right now, a whopping 252 Companies have signed CDAs with their host communities, and they’re working on projects like boreholes, electricity, schools, health centers, road constructions, and scholarships based on the identified needs of their host communities.
Alake also pointed out that some companies have flat out refused to join the agreement, but he’s vowed to make sure that the host communities don’t get the short end of the stick. “However, there are still some companies that are yet to comply with the provision of this Section of the Act and the Ministry is not relenting on its enforcement to ensure that all MTHs comply accordingly.”