The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to repositioning the mining sector towards becoming a significant revenue earner for the country.
In a speech to the National Defence College Course 33 participants, Alake highlighted how the reforms of the President Tinubu’s administration have redirected global attention to Nigeria’s mining sector, positioning the country as a premier mining destination in Africa.
The minister outlined key initiatives aimed at addressing challenges besetting the sector, including the establishment of Mining Marshals to combat illegal mining, the ongoing incorporation of the Nigeria Solid Minerals Company, and the launch of the digitized Electronic Mining Cadastre (EMC+) system to streamline licensing. Additionally, the formalization of artisanal miners into cooperatives, with over 152 cooperatives formed and counting.
Whilst he highlighted ongoing efforts to creatively raise funding for exploration which is critical to generating big geo-data, the minister noted the recent launch of the Nigeria Minerals Decisiom Support System (NMDSS), a one-stop online platform that enables investors from across the world access required information to guide investment in the mining sector.
In addressing concerns of host communities, Alake cited the revised Community Development Agreements (CDA), which makes it mandatory for prospective operators to seek consent of host communities before applying for mining licenses.
“We have strengthened the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) by encouraging states to nominate five (5) of its eight (8) members, including the chair, in conformity with relevant statutes. This partnership is crucial to ensure that sub-nationals and communities through the MIREMCO monitor compliance with environmental and social standards, “the minister added.
On the international stage, Alake revealed that Nigeria’s advocacy for local value addition has led to the formation of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), where he was unanimously elected as the inaugural chairman. He emphasized that most African nations have embraced the idea that mineral extraction should include processing to maximize benefits for citizens.
Charging Course 33 participants to lead the way in fostering attitudinal change in the country, Dr. Alake stressed that until citizens embrace the right mindset of putting the nation first, above personal or primordial considerations, transforming the country will remain an uphill task.
In response to participants’ inquiries during a panel session, the Minister affirmed that transforming the mining sector into a significant contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will be a viable legacy.
