Hon. Jonathan Gaza, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving mining community engagement and corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices by mining companies operating in Nigerian communities. Speaking on the ongoing challenges between miners and their host communities, Gaza highlighted that the key issues revolve around the rights of the host communities and environmental remediation efforts.
In an exclusive interview with Arise News, Hon. Gaza expressed his concern over the strained relationship between mining companies and the mining communities they operate in. “We have been receiving numerous complaints from citizens about the poor relationship between miners and their host communities,” he said. He noted that communities are particularly dissatisfied with the inadequate share they receive from mining activities, especially in terms of addressing the health and environmental impacts of mining.
Gaza further explained, “Many host communities feel that the share they get from these mining activities is only about 5%, while they are asking for at least 10% to help them cope with the adverse effects of mining.” He described his experience reviewing a community development agreement (CDA) in his state, saying, “I was devastated. The potential for significant investment was there— we’re talking about billions. How much is a ton of lithium worth? Yet, the host community was receiving so little in return.”
At a mining site in Obajana, Kogi State, the House Committee on Solid Minerals found that many mining companies are falling short of their obligations to their host communities, particularly when it comes to environmental remediation. “The lack of adequate environmental protection is alarming. If this can happen here, it means my community and others across Nigeria deserve better treatment from these companies. Just as the companies benefit from these resources, the communities should also benefit.”
He emphasised the need for significant improvements in Community Development Agreements (CDAs), describing them as crucial instruments for capturing the aspirations and expectations of the people. “While the industry has a limited role in directly addressing all the community’s issues, CDAs provide a framework to ensure that the host communities’ needs and expectations are acknowledged and met.”
Hon. Gaza called for stronger partnerships between the mining industry and local communities, urging companies to take greater responsibility for the well-being of the areas they operate in.
