Resource Justice Network Demands Transparency In Kogi Mining Activities

The Kogi State chapter of the Resource Justice Network (RJN) has called on the state government to ensure transparency and accountability in mining activities across the state, warning against environmental degradation, human rights violations and social injustice in extractive communities.

The Kogi State Coordinator of the network and Executive Director, Socioeconomic Research and Development Center (CEDEC), Tijjani Abdul Karim, made the call while briefing journalists after the fourth meeting of the Kogi State chapter of the Resource Justice Network.

Abdul Karim said the meeting focused on issues surrounding extractive transparency, socioeconomic and environmental challenges arising from mining activities, as well as the implementation of Community Development Agreements (CDAs) between mining companies and host communities.

According to him, the meeting brought together state and non-state actors from mineral-producing communities across Kogi State, as well as civil society organisations working in the extractive sector.

He said the participants mapped out a work plan for engaging relevant stakeholders towards ensuring resource justice for communities and citizens affected by mining activities.

“The essence of the meeting is to discuss the issues that surround the Community Development Agreement, environmental degradation and social injustices arising from resource extraction,” he said.

The RJN coordinator noted that although the Federal Government has statutory responsibility over extractive activities, the state government also has a duty to protect citizens and address security, human rights and environmental concerns in mining communities.

He urged the Kogi State Government to ensure that mining activities do not deprive host communities of basic social amenities or prevent them from benefiting from the corporate social responsibilities of companies licensed to operate in the state.

Abdul Karim said, “The state government has the responsibility to ensure that citizens are not deprived of basic social amenities and the corporate social responsibilities of companies that have been given licences to conduct extractive and mining activities in Kogi State.”

He also called for a review of Community Development Agreements entered into by mining companies and host communities, saying such agreements should adequately protect vulnerable members of affected communities.

He stressed that the review was necessary to ensure that communities were not short-changed and that the benefits of mining activities were equitably distributed.

The RJN further urged stakeholders to pay greater attention to environmental protection and the welfare of people living in mining areas, noting that unchecked extractive activities could worsen social and environmental challenges confronting host communities.

Abdul Karim said the network would continue to engage government agencies, mining companies, host communities and civil society organisations to promote transparency, accountability and responsible resource governance in Kogi State.