Kabiru Haruna
The people of Riruwai in Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State have successfully completed the first stage of the Community Development Agreement (CDA) process with a mining company operating in the area.
The event, held at the District Head’s Palace on Friday, saw the selection of seven community representatives who will engage with the company in negotiations aimed at fostering sustainable development.
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According to Adamu Ibrahim Dabo, Director of Public Enlightenment, Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Kano State, the CDA is a crucial framework introduced under the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (NMMA) 2007 to ensure a peaceful and beneficial relationship between mining companies and host communities.
He noted that this initiative is designed to prevent conflicts similar to those experienced in the Niger Delta region due to resource exploitation.
Representing the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, the CDA Desk Officer, Olayroye Abimbola, described the selection process as seamless and transparent.
She expressed confidence in the chosen representatives and emphasized that the next phase involves formalizing the agreement, which will guide the development projects in the community.
Riruwai Community Takes Major Step in Solid Minerals Exploitation with Seamless CDA Process
Commissioner Alhaji Hamza Safiyanu commended the stakeholders for their cooperation, acknowledging the leadership of Engineer Usman Sule for ensuring a smooth process.
He revealed that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had directed his intervention to resolve initial disagreements on the CDA’s implementation.
During the visit, the Commissioner and his team inspected the community’s drinking water source and pledged improvements to ensure better environmental standards and access to essential social amenities.
He assured that a detailed report would be submitted to the Governor soon.
In his remarks, Alhaji Aminu Abba Ibrahim, Special Adviser to the Governor on Solid Minerals, urged community leaders to focus on educating children involved in artisanal mining, stressing that such practices could hinder long-term development.
Community leader Alhaji Usman Sule pledged full cooperation with the government and the mining company.
Similarly, Mr. Mukesh Sharma, Chief Relationship Officer of the company, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to abiding by the final CDA agreement and supporting community initiatives.
Professor Ibrahim Garba, an indigene of the community and a mining consultant, noted that his professional guidance contributed to the commencement of mining operations in the area.
He expressed optimism that more developmental projects would follow.
The Commissioner and his delegation, including the Special Adviser, the Permanent Secretary Engineer Mansur Yakubu, and other Directors, were later taken on a tour of the historical underground mining site and the company’s solid mineral processing plant, led by Professor Ibrahim Garba and the site engineer.
This milestone marks a significant step toward ensuring that Riruwai benefits from its natural resources through a structured and community-driven development process.