The Federal Government has reiterated the need for mining companies operating in different communities in the country to keep to the terms made in the signed Community Development Agreement (CDA).
Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, gave the charge at the Opening Ceremony of Tunde Ramos Coal Mines and Commissioning of Mining Equipment by Mosra Enerji in Odele, Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
He said that the Federal Government takes Mining Company relationship with the host community serious, explaining that “it is an agreement with the host community wherein a set of projects is agreed upon and everyone is bound to follow it for a period of 5 years”.
The Minister called on Mining Companies to be more responsive to their host communities for peaceful coexistence and ensure that the community prosper as the mining companies prosper, adding that “keep on cooperating, keep on working with your host communities”
Arc. Adegbite appreciated the host communities for the cooperation accorded to Mosra Enerji so far as he noted that mining cannot take place without peace and community’s acquiescence.
“There is what is called ‘know your source’, whatever coming out of here would be stamped as coming from Ankpa and then the whole world knows and put your communities on the world map, that in itself, is a recognition aside from your people that will be employed and engaged in businesses.”
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Mosra Enerji, Mr Olukayode Ramos said the event marked a remarkable milestone for his organization in their bid to contribute effectively to the Federal Government’s “Coal to Power Program”
Ramos disclosed that the coal mine at full operation would create over 10,000 direct employment and 30,000 indirect employments as he also pledged his company’s commitment to maintaining the best practices in responsible mining.
He said the company has a plan to bring massive development to the host communities; Ankpa and Omala LG with a proposed construction of a Coal-Fired Power Plant and other social infrastructures, as he appealed for their continuous understanding and cooperation.
Romas said all hands must be on decks to ensure that Nigeria regains its status as an exporter of coal which he believes will increase the mining sector’s contribution to the national GDP, foreign exchange reserves.
The Chairman of Ankpa Local Government, Ibrahim Abagwu in his closing remarks, assured the mining companies operating in the area of adequate security while appealing to them to keep to the promises made in the CDA signed with their host communities.
