ADDRESS BY THE HON. MINISTER OF SOLID MINERALS
DEVELOPMENT, MR. DELE ALAKE, AT THE SECOND PRESS
BRIEFING OF THE 8TH EDITION OF THE NIGERIA MINING WEEK
PROTOCOLS
Distinguished Stakeholders of the Nigerian Mining Industry, Partners,
Well-Wishers, International Mining Community, Management and Staff
of the Ministry, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press,
It is indeed gratifying to have you all joining us today at this Second Press Conference, marking the preparations for the 8th Edition of the Nigeria Mining Week, 2023. It is an honor to address you as we embark on this journey to celebrate and uplift the Nigerian Mining
Sector.
I wish to commence by acknowledging the profound significance of the mining industry in the economic development of Nigeria. Beneath our soil lie vast mineral resources that harbor tremendous potential for growth and prosperity. This potential extends not only to our nation but also to the wider African Continent. As we convene here today to brief
you on the upcoming Nigeria Mining Week, it serves as a poignant
reminder of the pivotal role this sector plays in diversifying our economy
and employment generation opportunities for our citizens.
The Nigeria Mining Week 2023 is poised to be a significant milestone in our continuous efforts to showcase the potential of our mining sector. The theme for this year,”Unlocking Nigeria’s Mining
Potential” encapsulates our unwavering commitment to harness the
abundant mineral resources that are spread across our land.
In recent years, we have witnessed substantial progress in the
mining sector. We have executed critical reforms, modernized our
regulatory framework, and attracted both local and foreign investments.
These have led to significant improvements in the mining activities in
Nigeria. The Nigeria Mining Week therefore provides a platform to
celebrate these achievements and to chart a course for further progress.
The key objectives for the Nigeria Mining Week 2023 include:
1. Knowledge Sharing: Our aim is to foster an environment where
Industry Experts, Stakeholders, and Government Officials can
exchange ideas and strengthen the concepts of Industry Best
Practices. This will foster innovation and enhance the overall
competitiveness of our mining sector as we endeavor to “Unlock
Nigeria’s Mining Potential’’ upholding the tenets of Environmental,
Social and Governance Standards;
2. Investment Promotion: Highlighting the investment
opportunities inherent in Nigeria’s Mining Landscape such as the
stable and favorable investment climate created through the Presidential Business Enabling Environment Initiative as well as very attractive incentives provided by the Federal Government. We
therefore invite both local and international investors to explore
the vast potentials in the Mining Sector in Nigeria for growth and
profitability, contributing to the realization of aspiration of shared benefits of the earth’s resources;
3. Sustainable Practices: Sustainability lies at the core of our vision for the mining sector. We will underscore the importance of responsible mining practices that respect our environment, host communities, and cultural heritage, a fundamental aspect of
Unlocking Nigeria’s Mining Potential;
4. Skills Development: We will explore avenues to enhance the skills and capabilities of our workforce, ensuring they meet the demands of a contemporary mining industry. A well-trained workforce is pivotal for sustainable development and fully realizing the vision of making the ’’Earth Work For Us’’;
5. Infrastructure Development: Our discussions will encompass
plans to enhance infrastructure in mining regions, facilitating the
movement of goods and services and subsequently reducing
operational costs for mining companies.
Dear Compatriots, I enjoin all Nigerians and well-meaning Mining
Industry Stakeholders to leverage the numerous incentives provided by
the dedicated resolve of the Administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to establish and strengthen their businesses to support the Mining Industry in Nigeria to substantially contribute to economic diversification of the Nation. This Event heralds the overarching policy consistency of Government and provision of requisite
infrastructure to grow the mining sector to significantly contribute to the
nation’s GDP. This Event avails an ample opportunity for collective
action and collaboration between the public and private sectors, civil
society, and international partners.
Together, we shall work towards unlocking Nigeria’s mining potential,
creating a brighter future for our nation and its people
. I eagerly
anticipate engaging with all of you during the Nigeria Mining Week 2023
and witnessing the positive impacts that our collective endeavors will
have on this critical sector.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press, I implore you to give this Event the
loudest publicity as we welcome you all to the 8th Edition of the Nigeria
Mining Week.
Thank you.
DELE ALAKE
Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development
11th October, 2023.
