Ashakacem signs community development agreement with communities

In its bid to develop positive relationship, for the benefit of all stakeholders the management of Ashakacem has signed a community development agreement with its host communities around Maiganga Coal Mine in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.

The signing ceremony, which is in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 and its Regulation, 2011, held at the premises of ‘the Star of the North’, brought together representatives of the relevant stakeholders, including the local communities led by the Chairman of the Community Development Association (CDA), Mr. Gibar Tsabta, government represented by an Officer of the Federal Ministry of Mines, Gombe, Engr. Olaka and AshakaCem management led by the Managing Director, Rabiu Umar.

The agreement entails commitment of all parties to developing a positive relationship, which recognizes the need for all stakeholders to commonly benefit and co-exist through a process of mutual respect, ongoing dialogue and regular interaction. The parties agreed to work together to realise the objectives of understanding each other’s needs and values, committing to fair and balanced negotiations and dealing with each other in an open, honest, transparent, and fair manner.

Speaking at the ceremony, the CDA chairman, Tsabta revealed that wide consultations, engagements and thorough negotiations were involved in the process of preparing and finalising the agreement. “We have put the interest of all stakeholders into consideration in arriving at this document, and we will remain dedicated to its full implementation to the benefit of all,” he said.

He assured members of the concerned communities of better days, with increasing and more value adding benefits in all agreed areas, while urging for more support and constructive engagements with Ashakacem to engender the necessary conducive environment for continued excellent performance.

In his speech, Managing Director, Ashakacem, Umar declared that the signing of the agreement signalled the beginning of a new dawn in the relationship between Ashakacem and the neighbouring communities. “Ashakacem, following the precepts of its sister company, Lafarge Africa Plc, remains committed to good corporate citizenship and environmental friendliness. Fulfilling all statutory and regulatory obligations and striving to exceed expectations in terms of socio-economic offerings to her partnering communities is an integral part of the way we run our business,” he stated.

Speaking further, the Managing Director affirmed that the company’s environmental policy reflects on its commitment to sustainable development, noting that such helps its approach to meeting new challenges in environmental protection. “We operate with utmost respect for the common interest of the people. We support the host communities by generating economic growth, creating jobs, providing training and social support.”

He passed a vote of confidence on the membership of the CDA to continue to look after the interest of the communities and their people in a constructive and profitable manner, and proclaimed Askakacem’s readiness to address passionately, all community issues that are routed through the committee as the only arbiter between the communities and the organisation.