Community Trust Essential for Sustainable Mining in Nigeria

At the 5th African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) 2026 held in Abuja, Engr. Simeon Nkom, the CEO of the Nigeria Mine Cadastral Office (NMCO), stressed the importance of community trust and social licenses for sustainable mining practices. He called for a new social contract that prioritizes community participation and the sharing of benefits from mining activities.

Nkom noted that the current mining law in Nigeria already provides for Community Development Agreements (CDAs) to ensure that host communities benefit from employment, skill acquisition, scholarships, healthcare, and infrastructure development. He warned that ignoring community interests could disrupt projects and emphasized that social licenses grant legitimacy to mining operations.

Nkom highlighted the growing importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards in mining, noting that investors increasingly require evidence of responsible mining practices and community impact. He urged mining companies to engage traditional institutions and community leaders in decision-making processes to ensure sustainable outcomes.