The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has urged full disclosure of Nigeria’s reported critical minerals agreement with the United States signed on Sept. 23.
The call is contained in a statement signed by ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba.
ACF acknowledged the potential benefits of foreign investment and technical cooperation but insisted that the agreement’s terms, financial implications and implementation framework should be made public.
It said Northern Nigeria’s deposits of gold, lithium, lead-zinc and other minerals could drive employment, industrialisation and economic diversification if responsibly developed.
The forum stressed that mineral exploitation must guarantee local employment, skills development, Nigerian participation, infrastructure, environmental protection and fair compensation for affected communities.
It also expressed concern that insecurity in the North could expose mineral-bearing communities to illegal exploitation, displacement, environmental degradation and loss of economic opportunities.
ACF urged the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to explain safeguards for mining sites and host communities.
The forum called for investigations into allegations of illegal exploitation or foreign involvement in criminal activities, stressing that such claims should be addressed based on credible evidence.
It said its concern was not cooperation with the United States but the need for all stakeholders including mineral producing communities to receive a fair and enforceable share of the benefits.
ACF called for the publication of the agreement and related documents, clarification of its legal status and financial implications, and disclosure of participating companies and their obligations.
It also sought details of proposed investments, financing, technology transfer and infrastructure, as well as any preferential access or exclusive purchasing rights granted to US companies.
The forum demanded enforceable provisions for local processing, Nigerian ownership and participation, environmental remediation, community compensation and protection of geological data.
It further sought clarification on the roles of state governments and host communities, potential financial liabilities, and compliance with relevant constitutional provisions, mining laws and the Land Use Act.
ACF cited Sections 14(2)(b) and 16(1)(a) and (b) of the Constitution, alongside the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, in support of its demand for transparency.
It also acknowledged Section 16(6)(c), which limits judicial enforcement of Chapter II provisions, subject to constitutional exceptions.
The forum urged the National Assembly and relevant regulatory institutions to ensure appropriate oversight, while calling for consultations with state governments, affected communities and other stakeholders.
It said Nigeria’s mineral wealth should promote industrialisation, productive employment and sustainable prosperity rather than leave host communities impoverished and exposed to environmental harm.(NAN)
