The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has reaffirmed the commitment of stakeholders in the mining industry to revamping Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, ensuring it becomes a major contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in future.
This was announced during a stakeholder meeting organized by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development on Mining Policy Dialogue and the Amendment of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, held at the Rock View Hotel, Wuse II, Abuja.
Speaking at the workshop, Dr. Alake highlighted the unified vision shared by mine operators, policymakers, and government officials in reviewing and updating the Nigerian Mining Act of 2007.
The objective, he noted, is to create an operating environment that maximizes the benefits of the solid minerals sector for the entire nation.
“Our goal, both within the Ministry and among stakeholders, is to enhance the operating environment of the solid minerals sector in Nigeria.
“By doing so, we aim to ensure that the sector generates maximum economic benefits not only for the operators and the government but for all Nigerians,” Dr. Alake stated.
The Minister also pointed out the various initiatives and policies that have been implemented in the past year under his leadership.
These efforts, he noted, have garnered positive responses from Nigerians, international investors, policymakers, and observers alike.
Dr Alake emphasized that the stakeholder meeting and the review of the Mining Act are crucial steps toward repositioning the sector as a key driver of Nigeria’s economic growth.
“This process will ensure that we develop a new Nigerian Mining Act that addresses the interests of all stakeholders, including operators, policymakers, companies, and the general public,” he added.
In her address to the participants, which included mining operators, civil society organizations, and other critical stakeholders, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Mary Ogbe, reiterated the importance of finding actionable solutions that will enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s mining sector.
“We are here not just to discuss challenges but to find actionable solutions that will enhance the competitiveness of our mining sector, promote transparency, ensure environmental sustainability, and ultimately improve the livelihoods of all Nigerians,” Dr. Ogbe stated.
She added that the Ministry remains committed to ensuring that the revised Mining Act reflects the aspirations and interests of all Nigerians, positioning the solid minerals sector as a cornerstone of the nation’s economy.
Meanwhile, to enhance Nigeria-Australia relations in the mining sector, the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Leilani Bin-Juda, paid a courtesy visit to Dr Alake.
During the visit, High Commissioner Bin-Juda extended a formal invitation to Dr Alake to attend the prestigious African Down Under (ADU) conference, scheduled to take place in Perth, Australia, from September 4th to 6th, 2024.
The ADU conference is a leading event that brings together key stakeholders in Africa’s mining sector, providing a platform for discussions on investment opportunities, technological advancements, and bilateral cooperation.
