*Dr. Oladele Alake, Minister for Solid Minerals Development, affirms the ongoing reforms under the current administration are set to position Nigeria as a global mining hub in regard to the creation of a corporate entity to serve as the face in the international arena

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

Dr. Oladele Alake, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development, has said the ongoing reforms under the current administration are set to position Nigeria as a global mining hub.

Alake stated this while a keynote address at the opening session of the 2024 Nigeria Mining Week with the theme, “From Inside Out: Building the Mining Sector to be the Cornerstone of Nigeria’s Economy鈥�.

The Minister stressed the Federal Government’s efforts at sanitising the sector, fostering diplomatic relations, and promoting investment are positioning Nigeria as a formidable mining nation.

Outlining the progress made on his 7-point agenda, he disclosed that the process of incorporating the Nigeria Solid Minerals Corporation is now at an advanced stage.

Segun Tomori, Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, stated Dr. Alake also said: “Central to the renewed positioning of our mineral sector is the creation of a corporate entity that will serve as Nigeria’s face in the international arena.

鈥淭his entity will act as the go-to partner for joint ventures and drive the maximisation of legacy brownfields.

鈥淭his initiative is almost ready for unveiling and will be a game-changer for the industry.鈥�

In connection with efforts to sanitise the mining environment, the Minister further highlighted a dual approach to combating illegal mining, combining both coercive and persuasive measures, which are already yielding significant results.

He stated: “The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)-driven Mining Marshals have sent a strong message to criminals involved in illegal mining activities. 鈥淢ore than 300 illegal miners have been arrested and are facing prosecution. Nationwide investigations into illegal mining sites are intensifying, and the once unregulated mining value chain is adapting to new enforcement measures.鈥�

Dr. Alake announced that 250 artisanal mining cooperatives have been established since his assumption of office, in line with the persuasive approach of encouraging artisanal miners to form cooperatives and formalise their operations.

Looking ahead, Alake equally gave insights into the Federal Government’s vision for a multi-agency Mining Marshals Squad, which will include operatives from various security agencies, supported by satellite technology for effective monitoring of mining sites in Nigeria.

In a bid to enhance the global competitiveness of Nigeria’s mining sector, the Minister as well highlighted the establishment of a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence within the Ministry equipped with a Decision Support System that leverages data analytics and artificial intelligence

He noted: “This Centre is more than just a symbol of our commitment to innovation; it is the engine that drives informed decision-making, strategic planning, and operational efficiency.

鈥淭hrough this, we are transforming the way we manage our mineral resources, basing our policies on solid data, and ensuring transparency and accountability in all our operations.鈥�

In his remarks at the event, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Uche Nnaji, 聽Honourable Minister for Science and Technology, commended Dr. Alake’s dedication and resilience in revitalising the mining sector.

Tinubu affirmed that the implemented reforms have positioned Nigeria鈥檚 mining industry as a cornerstone of the country鈥檚 economic growth, aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Nigerian President also pledged commitment to setting new standards for responsible and efficient mining, positioning the Westr African country as a leader in mining technology, and providing the necessary support to the ministry to institutionalise reforms.

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