Stakeholders in the mining sector have called for the use of web and mobile apps to foster sustainable development in mining host communities.

The stakeholders made the call on Thursday at a two-day programme in Karu, Nassarawa.

They said using apps would improve host communities’ rights and enable them to receive maximum benefits from mining operations.

The African Centre organised the meeting for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD) under the auspices of the Ford Foundation BUILD Initiative.

Monday Osasah, executive director of Centre LSD, said the centre had been actively engaged in initiatives to promote sustainable development in mining host communities across Nigeria in partnership with the Ministry of Solid Mineral Development (MSMD).

Mr Osasahsaid the centre developed an app called hostcommunities.ng to ensure adequate development of the mining host communities.

According to him, the app is designed to empower members of mining host communities and the general public to report on community development projects undertaken by mining companies.

He said it was necessary to address the ills caused by the impact of mining on host communities, which leads to environmental degradation, social disruption, and economic inequalities.

Mr Osasah stated, “This is to ensure that communities will maximally benefit from mining operations. We believe that this platform has the potential to enhance transparency, accountability and community engagement in the mining sector.

“We envision improved frameworks, enhanced livelihoods and increased awareness of gender issues as concrete milestones that can be achieved through collaborative action and pragmatic solutions.

“By focusing on practical interventions, we aim to equip our partners with the tools and knowledge they need to drive lasting change on the ground.’’

Mr Osasah explained that the meeting aimed to identify real gaps, implement practical solutions, and measure tangible progress in the sector.

“Let us draw on our collective expertise and practical experience to generate innovative ideas and pragmatic approaches that can drive real change in mining host communities,’’ he said

Vivian Okono, director of the Mines and Environmental Compliance Department, commended Centre LSD for the initiative to transform the mining sector.

Ms Okono said the purpose of the meeting was to explore innovative approaches to foster sustainable development in mining host communities.

Taiwo Otitolaye, the national coordinator of Publish What You Pay (PWYP), commended Centre LSD, the Ministry of Solid Mineral and the Ford Foundation for the initiative.

Mr Otitolaye said the development of the software had transformed engagement in host communities as it provided evidence-based interventions where host communities could monitor, report, and give feedback on happenings in communities.

He urged that the initiative be cascaded across Africa for sustainable development in mining host communities.

The programme coordinator of Centre LSD, Vincent Dania, said hostcommunities is a web and mobile application platform that empowers members of mining host communities and the public to monitor and report the progress of Community Development Agreement (CDA) projects.

(NAN)