The Imiokpe community in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, has accused BUA Cement Plc of deliberate manipulation, exploitation, and continued illegal mining operations without accountability or transparency.
In a petition and demand notice addressed to relevant authorities, the community alleged that BUA Cement is attempting to impose a “One-Centre” Community Development Agreement (CDA) across Okpella — a move they say violates Section 116 (1) of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, which mandates companies to sign CDAs directly with their actual host communities.
“Ownership of land rests squarely on kindreds in Okpella, who by law are recognized as host communities. It is our client, as host community, that BUA Cement Plc is mandated to execute a CDA with — not the entire Okpella clan or any so-called central group,” the petition stated.
Under Nigerian mining law, a Community Development Agreement (CDA) defines the obligations of mining companies to their host communities in areas such as social investment, infrastructure, and local employment. These agreements are intended to ensure that communities directly impacted by mining activities receive fair and lawful benefits.
The Imiokpe community further alleged that despite the expiration of the previous “aberrated” CDA in November 2024, BUA Cement has continued to extract limestone, laterite, clay, and iron ore from the Ikpe-Obia and Oke-Igholi mining sites without a valid agreement in place.
They described the ongoing operations as “daylight exploitation,” accusing the company of paying inadequate royalties while deliberately excluding community representatives from employment opportunities, decision-making processes, and infrastructure benefits.
“BUA’s pattern is to delay, exploit, and profit without fulfilling its legal and moral obligations to its host communities. This aberration will no longer be tolerated,” the kindred declared.
In a final demand notice, the Imiokpe community issued a seven-day ultimatum to BUA Cement to cease attempts to impose a centralized CDA and instead conclude a lawful agreement directly with the legitimate host community.
They warned that continued defiance or attempts to manipulate community representation would trigger an immediate legal response.
“We are prepared to defend our rights through every lawful means available,” the statement read. “If BUA Cement fails to comply with the Minerals and Mining Act by executing a proper CDA with its rightful host communities, we will proceed without hesitation to a court of competent jurisdiction to halt all illegal operations, revoke its mining licence, and demand full restitution for years of exploitation and neglect.”
The community concluded with a stern warning that no corporate influence or political alliance would shield BUA Cement from the consequences of lawlessness.
“The era of intimidation and exploitation is over. Either BUA obeys the law or faces the full weight of justice,” the kindred declared.
