Segun Atanda/
The Federal Government has given mining and quarrying companies operating in Nigeria until December 31, 2025, to conclude Community Development Agreements (CDAs) with their host communities or risk losing their licences.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, issued the ultimatum on Thursday after reviewing reports from the Mines Environmental Compliance Department, which revealed a huge gap between the number of mineral titles issued and the actual CDAs signed.
According to the report, 74 new mineral titles were granted in the first half of 2025, but only 24 agreements were concluded. In 2023 alone, the Mining Cadastral Office issued 1,388 licences—including 960 small-scale mineral licences, 391 quarry licences, and 37 mining leases—yet only 342 CDAs have been signed to date.
Alake described the situation as “unacceptable,” warning that companies that fail to comply with the December deadline would face licence revocation and be compelled to pay reparations for minerals extracted without community agreements.
“Under our watch, responsible mining, marked by compliance with international Environmental, Social and Governance standards, shall be the rule,” the minister declared. “Refusal to protect the Nigerian people by agreeing with them on what the communities will gain from the mineral exploitation of their land is criminal expropriation, and an unpardonable injustice.”
The minister also urged communities to form quality negotiating teams, including retired professionals, to secure lasting benefits for women, youths, and local residents. He warned traditional rulers against demanding personal gifts or endorsing substandard contractors that undermine CDA outcomes.
Alake commended the Mines Environmental Compliance department, led by Dr. Vivian Okono, for shutting down three firms—Istanbul, Venus, and Cornerstone—for failing to conclude agreements with host communities.
“That should be a good signal to others that it is no longer business as usual,” he added.
0Related posts:
*BUA’S UNWARRANTED ATTACK ON DANGOTE INDUSTRIES LIMITED*
X-raying Nigeria’s MoU with France on Solid Minerals
Solid Minerals Will Contribute 50% to Nigeria’s GDP – Dele Alake
Policing The Nigerian Federation: Integrating Community Policing In Nigerian Security Architecture
Alake Secures Free Study for Nigerian Mining Professionals from Australia
The Mine is Mine, Dangote Insists …Accuses BUA of Stealing Limestone