Federal Government Gives Mining Companies Deadline To Conclude Community Devt Agreements

The Federal Government has directed all mining and quarrying companies licensed by the Nigerian Mining Cadastral Office (MCO) to finalize Community Development Agreements (CDAs) with their host communities on or before December 31, 2025.…Read ..Full.. Article.. .

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, announced the deadline following a review of the performance of mining companies in the first half of the year, based on a report from the Ministry’s Mines Environmental Compliance (MEC) department.

The report revealed that while 74 new mineral titles were issued in the first six months of 2025, only 24 CDAs were signed.

Alake highlighted the stark gap between the thousands of mineral titles issued and the mere 342 CDAs signed so far, stressing the urgency for compliance. “Responsible mining, marked by adherence to international Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, shall be the rule. Companies must not rush into mining without first engaging with host communities to agree on projects and programs that address their needs,” he said.

The Minister warned that companies failing to comply with the directive will face severe sanctions, including the revocation of their licenses and demands for reparations for minerals extracted. He cited last month’s shutdown of three companies, Istanbul, Venus, and Cornerstone for delaying CDA negotiations as a signal to other operators that “it is no longer business as usual, and..  Read . .More