CAPPA Names Rafsanjani Board Chair, Warns Against Reckless Mining Expansion

Auwal Musa Rafsanjani

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has appointed prominent civil rights advocate, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani as the new Chairman of its Advisory Board. 

The announcement followed a board election held over the weekend.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, CAPPA described Rafsanjani’s emergence as a renewed mandate to defend public resources, democratic space, and community rights across Nigeria and Africa.

Mr. Rafsanjani, who also serves as the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, brings over three decades of experience in anti-corruption, human rights, and legislative advocacy. He also chairs the Board of Trustees of Amnesty International Nigeria, leads the Zero Corruption Coalition, and co-convenes the Say No Campaign.

CAPPA said Rafsanjani’s vast expertise in governance reforms and policy advocacy would strengthen its continental work, especially at a time when civic space is shrinking and public resources are under threat.

Other members of the Advisory Board include Evelyn Nkanga Bassey (Treasurer), Scott Pegg, Kayode Ogunbunmi, Betty Abah, and Doifie Buokoribo, with Akinbode Oluwafemi serving as Executive Director and Board Secretary.

Speaking after his election, Rafsanjani pledged to position CAPPA as a “fearless watchdog for public good,” while prioritizing public health advocacy, extractive justice, environmental protection, and democratic rights.

The new board also raised concerns over Nigeria’s growing dependence on the solid minerals sector, warning that the government’s aggressive push for lithium and other so-called “green minerals” could trigger land grabs, displacement, and ecological damage similar to the Niger Delta oil crisis.

The board noted that while mining now contributes about 4.6 percent to Nigeria’s GDP—up from less than one percent a decade ago—the expansion has come with serious social and environmental risks.

“Nigeria risks repeating the tragedy of the Niger Delta, where oil wealth produced revenue but destroyed livelihoods,” the board warned, urging the government to enforce strict regulation, guarantee community consent, and ensure transparency in resource governance.

CAPPA called for a people-centred approach to development that protects land, water, and livelihoods, insisting that “there is no just transition if communities do not share in its gains.”

Reaffirming its commitment to social justice, the organisation said it would continue to work with labour unions, grassroots movements, youth groups, and women’s organisations to strengthen the fight for public accountability and participation.