Evaluation of Community Development Fund Management in the Nigerian Mining Sector: Evidence from Zamfara and Kebbi States

Community Development Funds (CDFs) established under Nigeria's Minerals and Mining Act 2007 are intended to ensure that host communities benefit from mining revenues, yet fund governance and disbursement effectiveness have been poorly monitored. This study evaluates the management, governance, and community impact of CDFs in host communities of mining operations in Zamfara and Kebbi States in North West Nigeria. A governance assessment framework adapted from the Natural Resource Governance Institute standards was applied, covering fund constitution, management board composition, disbursement criteria, financial reporting, and community satisfaction. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 Community Development Fund committee members, state government officials, and representatives of mining companies operating in both states. Community perception surveys were administered to 150 households in fund-receiving communities. Findings reveal that CDF governance in both states is characterised by limited transparency, exclusion of women and youth from management committees, and diversion of fund resources to projects identified by political actors rather than community priorities. Community satisfaction with fund benefits is below 30 percent. The study recommends mandatory independent auditing of CDFs, constitutional reform to require gender-balanced and community-elected management committees, and NEITI-aligned disclosure of fund financial statements. Keywords: community development fund, mining governance, Zamfara State, Kebbi State, transparency.