*Dr. Oladele Alake, Minister for Solid Minerals Development, highlights some of the Ministry’s transformative strides aimed at revitalising the mining sector of the Nigerian economy

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

In the current administration’s efforts at revitalising the minerals sector while boosting the industry contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the Federal Government of Nigeria has disclosed security operatives arrested 300 illegal miners across the country.

绿帽献妻 learnt Dr. Oladele Alake, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development, said this Thursday, November 14, 2024, during a strategic briefing of the House Committee on Solid Minerals鈥� Oversight visit to the Minister, in Abuja, FCT.

On enhanced security framework to combat illegal mining

The Minister took the opportunity of the opportunity of the visit to disclose some of his Ministry’s transformative strides aimed at revitalising the mining sector of the Nigerian economy.

Explaining his 7-point agenda, Dr. Alake highlighted the progress recorded in securing mining operations, deterring illegal activities, and positioning the sector as a cornerstone of economic growth in the West African country.

The Minister also told the Federal lawmakers: 鈥淎t the forefront of this transformation is a strengthened security framework designed to combat illegal mining鈥攁 longstanding challenge that has threatened both local communities and Nigeria鈥檚 global standing.

“Since deploying over 2,000 trained mine marshals, nearly 300 illegal operators, including foreign nationals, have been apprehended, significantly reducing unauthorised mining activity across the nation.鈥�

He as well attributed the considerable progress the Ministry has made to the proactive support of President Bola Tinubu.

According to Alake, the President’s support has enabled an effective inter-ministerial collaboration with the Ministry of Interior in ensuring swift deployment of resources and personnel to protect mining regions across Nigeria.

Describing the positive shift brought by decrease in illegal mining operations, the Minister said: “This renewed security architecture is already having a profound impact.

鈥淥ur commitment to safeguarding our mining sites is also a commitment to Nigeria鈥檚 stability and an invitation to investors who seek reliable partnerships.”

Ministry鈥檚 vision to position Nigeria a global mineral hub

Alake, in explaining the strategic vision of the Ministry noted the targeted outreach efforts have successfully attracted the interest of leading international investors.

The move is positioning Nigeria鈥檚 mineral sector for future partnerships that promise mutual growth, stated he.

The Minister said: “The strategic focus on in-country processing and value addition for minerals is helping Nigeria retain wealth that might otherwise be lost through raw exports.

“This policy is also setting a trend across Africa, culminating in the creation of the African Mineral Strategy Group.鈥�

With revenue on the rise and global interest growing, Nigeria鈥檚 solid minerals sector, he stressed, is gaining recognition as a driver of sustainable economic development.

Alake equally expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from Nigeria鈥檚 legislative authorities and other key partners.

He acknowledged the combined efforts are building a resilient foundation for the sector in Nigeria.

The Minister further explained: “We鈥檙e setting Nigeria鈥檚 mineral wealth on a path to growth, resilience, and international respec.

鈥淏ut like Oliver Twist, we ask for more. We look forward to even stronger collaboration to achieve greater milestones.鈥�

Alake averred that with the ongoing reforms setting the stage for substantial economic contributions, Nigeria鈥檚 mining sector is on a trajectory to significantly bolster the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Hon. Garza Gbefwi, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals Development, said the Committee had remained dedicated to advancing transparency, growth, and robust support for the sector.

The Chairman of the Committee stated: “Throughout, the Committee has maintained a clear distinction between legislative and executive roles, allowing the Ministry to shape and implement its policies without interference.”

Gbefwi also revealed that the group has taken a more direct approach by engaging closely with each agency under the Ministry鈥檚 jurisdiction this year.

The engagements will provide invaluable insights into the achievements and challenges within the sector, particularly from key agencies such as the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF).

The Chairman of Committee noted the goal is to address any obstacles that could hinder the sector鈥檚 development.

Hon. Gbefwi, however, observed one of the main challenges the NGSA faces is limited financial resources, especially for fulfilling its essential mandate of generating geological data.

He emphasised that mineral exploration is a highly capital-intensive activity, and sufficient funding is critical to producing reliable data that can drive the sector forward.

Gbefwi, therefore, advocated increased funding to facilitate a seamless partnership between NGSA and SMDF, in order to empower both agencies to contribute effectively to sectoral growth in the country’s economy.

Speaking during the legislators’ visit to the Ministry, Dr. Mary Dr. Ogbe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, commended the Committee members for their continuous advocacy for the solid minerals sector in Nigeria.

Dr. Ogbe acknowledged that the Committee鈥檚 commitment to industry issues, including funding, policy guidance, and legislative backing.

She described the efforts as invaluable in empowering the Ministry to fulfil its mandate.

She also said: “Together, we can achieve our shared objectives, particularly in increasing the sector鈥檚 contribution to Nigeria鈥檚 overall economic sustainability.

The Permanent Secretary assured the Ministry would continue to count on the Committee鈥檚 support in addressing challenges, securing the necessary resources, and enhancing operations across its agencies in the country.

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