By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, Abuja
A Civil Society Organisation (CSO), dedicated to the defence of the environment, Urban-Rural Environmental Advocacy, publicly known as Urban-Rural Environmental Defenders (U-RED), has commended the FG’s ultimatum to mining companies to sign Community Development Agreement (CDA) with host communities.
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A press release signed by the U-RED Executive Director, God’spower Martins stated that the recent ultimatum is a commendable step towards ensuring that mining activities benefit local communities.
“However, this move also highlights the need for a closer look at the mining sector’s impact on the environment and the rights of frontline communities.
“The mandatory signing of CDA, enforcement, and suspension of Instanbul and two other companies’ operations that fail to comply are highly commendable.
“This move demonstrates the government’s commitment to holding mining companies accountable for their actions and ensuring that they prioritize the needs of local communities.
“While criminalizing the act of neglecting CDA obligations which is totally correct, the high militarization of mining company operators also revealed the predatory and exploitative nature of the miners.
He advocated for “Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC)
“While the CDA is a step in the right direction, FPIC is the way forward. FPIC allows communities to first determine whether or not they need a project, giving them a greater say in the decision-making process. This approach prioritizes the rights and interests of local communities, ensuring that they are not exploited or marginalised.
“Advocacy for FPIC must take center stage in the frontline push for justice. By prioritizing FPIC, communities can ensure that their rights are respected and that they benefit from mining activities. This approach requires mining companies to engage with local communities in a transparent and inclusive manner, providing them with accurate information about the potential impacts of mining activities to allow host communities to make informed decisions.
In conclusion, he noted that the FG’s ultimatum to mining companies is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the challenges faced by frontline communities – prioritizing FPIC.
“By prioritizing FPIC and advocating for its implementation, we can be sure of responsible mining. One that benefits local communities and respects their rights. As the Executive Director of U-RED, I urge the government to continue working towards creating a mining sector that is transparent, accountable, and sustainable.
