A five-year, multi-million naira Community Development Agreement (CDA) between Century Mining Company (CMC) and the Riruwai Community in Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State has officially taken effect, marking a significant milestone in community–company collaboration within the solid minerals sector.
The agreement, approved by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, will run from 2026 to 2030 and is expected to deliver wide-ranging socio-economic benefits to Riruwai, the host community of CMC’s tin, zinc, and other mineral mining operations.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held on Tuesday at the District Head’s Palace in Riruwai town, the Chairman of the CDA Committee, Engineer Usman Sule Riruwai, who signed on behalf of the community, highlighted key projects and commitments embedded in the agreement in line with the Nigerian Mining Act and its regulations.
He disclosed that CMC has committed to the full reclamation, rehabilitation, and restoration of all excavated and explored land to its natural state upon the completion of mining activities and prior to mine closure.
Other commitments include the construction of a fully furnished 700-seater multipurpose town hall, annual funding of N5 million for sporting activities, particularly football, and the employment of at least 50 per cent of the company’s semi-skilled workforce from the host community.
Further provisions in the agreement include the installation of a 240,000-litre potable water storage facility with a production capacity of 10,000 litres per hour; the rehabilitation of the 19-kilometre Riruwai–Doka road with drainage and a five-year maintenance plan, subject to Kano State Government approval; connection of the Riruwai Primary Health Centre to the company’s electricity supply; monthly purchase of medical drugs valued at N1 million; and educational support of N4 million for 40 merit-based secondary school students.
The CDA also provides for the rehabilitation of selected primary and secondary schools in the community.
Representing Century Mining Company, Mr. Mukesh Kumar Sharma, accompanied by the CMC General Manager, Mr. Achallah Chakapani, and Mr. Paresh Gadre, assured the community of the company’s full cooperation and commitment to implementing the agreement in strict compliance with Nigeria’s mining laws and regulations.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, represented by Hassan Mohammed, urged the company to faithfully execute all aspects of the CDA and called on community members to sustain cooperation to ensure smooth implementation.
In his remarks, the Kano State Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Hamza Safiyanu Kachako, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Engineer Mansur Yakubu, described the agreement as a major success and a notable achievement of the Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf administration.
He noted that the CDA was the product of sustained engagements and negotiations facilitated by the ministry, reflecting the state government’s commitment to responsible mineral resource development following the establishment of a dedicated ministry for the sector.
“This development complements the efforts of the Federal Government and underscores the importance attached to the solid minerals sector by the Kano State Government,” he said.
The District Head of the area, Sarkin Yamma Kano, Abdullahi Sarki Muhammadu, represented by Ali Muhammad Yola, charged the company to commence implementation of the agreement promptly and urged community members to continue to live in peace.
An elder of the community, Musa Salihu, commended all stakeholders involved in the process and stressed the need for community policing to safeguard public facilities against criminal activities.
Also speaking, Professor Ibrahim Garba Riruwai, a professor of hard rock geology and an indigene of the community, expressed concern over the increasing involvement of school-age children in artisanal mining at the expense of education.
He appealed to parents to reverse the trend to secure a better future for the community.
The CDA is expected to significantly enhance living conditions in Riruwai while promoting sustainable and responsible mining practices in Kano State.
Credit: Adamu Ibrahim Dabo
