Cross River: Arittgray Nigeria Limited, Agoi Communities Sign MoU On Mining Operations, As Firm Commences Mineral Exploration 

Ndifereke BASSEY

 A frim, Arittgray Nigeria Limited, an indigenous mining Company is set to commence full mineral exploration and mining operations in the Agoi communities of Yakurr Local government area in Cross River state.

The commencement of operations is as a result of successful signing of a landmark Community Development Agreement (CDA) with the host communities.

The agreement, signed on June 25, 2025, marks the culmination of nearly three years of negotiations and consultations between Arittgray Nigeria Limited and the Agoi Nation.

The Agoi nation comprised of four communities including Agoi Ekpo, Agoi Ibami, Ekom Agoi and Itu Agoi. The CDA represents a shared commitment to sustainable development, peaceful coexistence and responsible resource management.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by representatives of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, traditional rulers, youth and women leaders, community stakeholders and officials of Arittgray Nigeria Limited. 

Projects to be executed in the CDA include 20 nos of Solar powered Boreholes, 40 Solar Street lights, 2 well Equipped Health Centers, 2 befitting Palaces for the two Communites of Agoi Ekpo and Agoi Ibami, 2 nos of 200 seater civic centers, classroom blocks, and scholarship to 40 students annually.

The Company as a sign of good faith even before the signing of the CDA have already installed some Solar powered Street lights and Solar powered Boreholes  in Agoi Ekpo, Agoi Ibami and Ekom Agoi communities, acquired and delivered two SUVs to the ATTAHs of AGOI EKPO and AGOI IBAMI. The Company also carried out remedial repairs of NKO/AGOI EKPO ROAD stretching to about 15.5KM to make it motorable.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development , Dr. Dele Alake, was represented by Engr. Ibe Uduma, while the company was represented by its Managing Director, Engr. Ubong Israel.

Speaking, Engr. Ubong Israel assured the communities that Arittgray Nigeria Limited was not in Agoi to exploit but to work hand in hand with the people for mutual benefit.

 “Since we first stepped into this community in 2022, we have never had a reason to regret that decision. 

'What we have offered so far, the boreholes, the solar streetlights is just a tip of the iceberg. We are here to build, not to take,” he stated.

He stated that since they came into the communities, they have delivered significant development projects including 20 solar powered motorized boreholes, solar powered streetlights, two fully equipped Health Centres, two 200 Seater Civic Centres, newly constructed classroom blocks and scholarships awarded to 40 students. 

These interventions, he noted, "are only part of the broader vision for community transformation adding that they were prepared to do even more as operations progress."

He called for continued cooperation particularly from the youth and reaffirmed the dedication of the Company to community development, transparency and environmental responsibility.

Delivering the message of the Honourable Minister, Engr. Ibe Uduma congratulated both parties for choosing the path of peace and dialogue. 

He cautioned against any wrangling between the company and the communities, emphasising that the Ministry will do everything within its powers to ensure smooth and uninterrupted mining operations in the area. 

He further warned that the federal government will not condone any form of illegal mining, urging all stakeholders to abide strictly by the terms of the agreement and assured them of adequate oversight and support throughout the process.

The communities were represented by their traditional rulers, His Royal Highness Attah Charles Ikum Ujong and His Royal Highness Attah Michael Onun Mbang, along with other respected leaders and stakeholders, including Prof. Akong I. Egong, Hon. Barr. David Ekpo, Dr. Rijami Ekpo, Hon. Barr. Abu Eyo Abu, Barr. Emmanuel Akpama, Dr. Osam Obongha, Mr. Brown Enyogu, Dr. Helen Andong, Mr. Arikpo Ofem, Mr. David Ekpo David, and Barr. Ofem Bassey.

In their remarks, the stakeholders praised the agreement as a divine opportunity and a step in the right direction, pledging their full support to its implementation and expressed hope that the partnership with Arittgray would bring lasting benefits to the people of Agoi.

 They also commended the company for already making a visible and positive difference on the ground and expressed confidence in its continued commitment to the welfare of the communities.

 The event marks the beginning of a new era for the Agoi communities—a future rooted in partnership, development, and responsible stewardship of natural resources.