Ashaka Cement, host communities seal 5-year development deal

Ashaka Cement Limited, a subsidiary of HBM Nigeria Plc, recently signed five-year Community Development Agreements (CDAs) for the period spanning 2026 to 2030 with the Funakaye and Maiganga communities across the Funakaye and Akko Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Gombe State.

The signing ceremony held recently at the Gombe State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, established a framework for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) interventions in education, healthcare, agriculture, roads, water supply, employment, and security, reinforcing the company’s commitment to enhancing host communities’ welfare and infrastructure.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Managing Director of Ashaka Cement, Alhaji Ibrahim Aminu, assured residents that the company would fully implement all projects outlined in the agreement.

“The projects include agricultural ecology support, youth and women empowerment, education sponsorships, solar-powered boreholes, road rehabilitation, and the construction of schools and clinics across the Funakaye and Maiganga communities.”

He also announced that HBM Nigeria Plc, a member of Huaxin Group, has commenced a major expansion programme designed to increase production capacity to more than three times its current level, with commissioning scheduled for the first quarter of 2027. He noted that the expansion will generate additional employment opportunities for host community members.

The Gombe State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Sanusi Ahmed Pindiga, stated that the agreement will strengthen relations between the company and its host communities by providing a structured framework for resolving disputes through dialogue.

Pindiga urged both parties to honour their commitments and further disclosed that Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya signed an executive order on August 4 to strengthen the monitoring of mining activities, requiring mining and quarry companies to maintain valid development agreements with their host communities.

Mrs. Abimbola Adams, representing the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, described the agreement as a partnership founded on mutual trust and responsibility, urging the company to fulfill its obligations and the communities to maintain peaceful relations.

The District Head of Atiku, Engr. Muhammad Ardo, commended the parties for resolving previous disagreements and expressed optimism that the agreement will foster lasting peace.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Maiganga Community, Mr. David Daniel, appealed for dialogue, respect for the rule of law, and proper investigation of complaints, urging residents to refrain from taking matters into their own hands.

The event was attended by officials from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, community leaders, senior state government officials, a representative of the Akko Local Government Chairman, members of the Funakaye and Maiganga Community Relations Committee, heads of security agencies, legal representatives, and members of the media.

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