Hauwa Gidado, Abuja
The Nigerian Government has given mining and quarrying companies licensed since last year until December 31, 2025, to finalise their Community Development Agreements (CDAs) with host communities.
This directive was issued by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, following a review of CDA compliance reports from the Ministry’s Mines Environmental Compliance (MEC) department.
According to the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Mr.Segun Tomori, only 24 CDAs were signed out of 74 new mineral titles issued in the first half of 2025.
In total, over 2,300 mineral titles were issued in 2023 and 2024, yet only 342 CDAs have been signed to date.
Dr. Alake emphasised that mining without a CDA amounts to “criminal expropriation”, warning that after the deadline, non-compliant companies will face licence revocation and may be forced to pay reparations.
“Under our watch, responsible mining that meets international ESG standards is mandatory,” the Minister said. “No company will be allowed to mine without first agreeing with host communities on projects that benefit them.”
Dr. Alake urged communities to form strong negotiation teams and warned traditional rulers against compromising agreements by seeking personal favors.
He also commended the Director of the Mines Environmental Compliance Department, Dr. Vivian Okono, for shutting down Istanbul, Venus, and Cornerstone companies for delaying their CDA negotiations.
“That should be a good signal to others that it is no longer business as usual,” Dr. Alake said.
Lateefah Ibrahim