Oyo Mining Dispute Nears Resolution
A long-standing dispute between a mining company and the Itasa community in Oyo State is reportedly moving towards a resolution.
Architype Industries Nig. Ltd, the company involved, claims to have received federal government approval for its Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and is negotiating a new Community Development Agreement (CDA) with the host.
The company’s CEO, Adeniran Ajibade, addressed allegations that his company began operations without due process, stated that the ESIA process was lengthy and inclusive, despite efforts by a lawyer to discourage community participation.
Ajibade also criticized the lawyer’s proposed demands in a draft CDA, describing them as “illegal and unsustainable”.
The President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Dele Ayanleke, highlighted the prevalence of illegal mining in the country, attributing it to historical neglect of the sector after the discovery of oil.
He called on mining communities to gain more knowledge about regulations to better manage their expectations and engage with companies. Ayanleke also appealed for increased capacity for regulatory agencies to effectively monitor and enforce compliance.
The development comes as a welcome relief to the Itasa community, which has been embroiled in the dispute with the mining company.
The negotiation of a new CDA and the approval of the ESIA are seen as positive steps towards resolving the issue and promoting a more harmonious relationship between the company and the community.
