NEITI Promotes Inclusion of Mining Host Communities Towards Improving the Sector
NEITI’s Executive Secretary, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji at a 2-day training workshop for indigenous communities in Nasarawa State made the call urging for a greater role for mining host communities in the solid minerals sector.
He said cordial and beneficial relationship between operators and host communities holds vast potential for economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development.
Dr Orji however cautioned that “mining activities come with environmental and social challenges, which if not properly managed can have profound and long-lasting negative impacts on the land, water, and health of local populations”.
He noted that the contribution of the sector to the economy has grown significantly by N1.66 trillion to the nation’s GDP with government receiving N7.59 billion in 2007 and N341.27 billion in 202, a remarkable 44-fold increase.
“However, for this growth to benefit everyone equitable it must be accompanied by sustainable practices, and it must involve informed, active participation from the host communities.
“Community Development Agreements (CDAs) formalize commitments by mining companies to the socio-economic development of host communities, addressing community needs through collaborative frameworks”, he added.
Earlier, the Executive Director, Global Rights, Abiodun Baiyewu explained that mining activities often have profound impacts on the environment, health, and socio-economic structures of host communities.