Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello says his administration would foster sustainable agreement modalities that harness social and economic benefits accruing to host communities of mining companies in the state.
He disclosed this through his deputy, Chief Edward Onoja, during the synergy workshop for active stakeholders in the mineral resources sector held in Lokoja at the weekend.
Declaring the event open, he advised relevant community leaders to intimate the state government on the adoption and implementation of Community Development Agreements (CDAs) between mining companies and their host communities, as conditions precedent to the commencement of mining operations.
He maintained that host communities were always at the receiving end of the negative impacts of mining operations on the environment such as land degradation, air, land and water pollution, among others, saying such agreements would further create frameworks for the development of host communities in line with the vision of the government.
He added that aside social responsibility programs, host communities must possess shareholder rights to further benefit from the operations of such mining companies as such would encourage them to secure company assets within their communities.
While reiterating his commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property in the state, Governor Bello emphasised that Kogi State not only boasts of being the confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue, but the mineral capital of Nigeria considering its extensive mineral deposits which makes it the treasure trove of opportunities for the country.
The chairman, Kogi State Mineral Resources Development Agency (KSMRDA), Hassiat Ozavize Suleiman, said the state was blessed with several mineral resources that would be of great benefit to Nigeria at large.
She said the state was open and ready to accommodate genuine investors, especially those willing to abide by the state policy.
