The Ebonyi government has warned mining host communities and companies against engaging in sharp practices

The Ebonyi State Government has warned host mining communities against the diversion and mismanagement of funds intended for development and empowerment of indigenous communities from host mining companies in the state.

This comes amidst allegations of sharp practices of social responsibility on the part of mining companies hosting communities, especially in the autonomous community of Ameka, Ezza South local government area of ​​the state where tin mining is ongoing.

This warning was conveyed by the Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Chief Chinedu Nkah, on Thursday during the official presentation of scholarships to students and women by the First Patriots limited to the Amaka community.

Nkah, who observed the protests by some indigenous communities in the area, stressed that all benefits derived from the Community Development Agreement (CDA) must be accounted for transparently and provided to the intended beneficiaries.

The commissioner stated that the government would no longer tolerate situations where mining companies make payments to a handful of community leaders without disclosing the amount or purpose of those payments to the wider community.

He further explained that the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru has implemented stricter measures aimed at achieving reciprocity between host communities and mining companies.

According to him, “the CDA framework was designed to address long-standing complaints that mining communities do not benefit from mineral exploitation by mining companies.

“In the past, mining communities were cheated and defrauded. We want people in Ebonyi State to start benefiting from mining companies in their area. That is the essence of the CDA,” explained Nkah.

He added that the ministry had directed mining companies to notify the government before making presentations to host communities, and emphasized that such transactions must be conducted openly and documented.

“Under my supervision as Commissioner of Solid Minerals, I have conveyed to all mining companies that before making presentations, we must be aware. The public must be aware. This is no longer business as Usual,” he said.

However, Nkah cautioned Ameka community leaders against announcing scholarship recipients or making commitments without following prescribed verification and approval procedures. He added that the ministry had not received the list of scholarships before the ceremony and therefore would not validate the number of proposed beneficiaries until the necessary consultations and vetting had been completed.

The mining company’s presentation offered N20 million earmarked for scholarships, N10 million for apprenticeships and skills acquisition, N5 million for the Ameka women’s summit in August and 10 motorbikes for Ameka security outfits.

Chairman of the Ameka Community Development Agreement Implementation Committee, Chibueze Uguru, said the committee had sought to promote peaceful mining operations and ensure compliance with the agreement between the community and the company.

By: Nabob Ogbonna, Abakaliki