The Federal Government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has had enough of illegal mining in our country. According to a TVC News report, they’re putting their foot down and saying no more! The Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, made this clear at a recent event in Abuja. He emphasized that solid minerals are the future of Nigeria’s economy and we need to harness them properly. And you know what? I couldn’t agree more!
Illegal mining has been going on for ages, even before independence. But now, it’s time to put an end to it. The President is serious about this, and so is the Minister. They’re not just talking the talk, they’re walking the walk. Concrete steps and strategies are being put in place to combat this menace.
Did you know that Nigeria has deposits of about 44 solid minerals? That’s right! But unfortunately, illegal mining is rampant in states like Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna in the Northwest region. It’s time to change that!
Let’s talk about the Nigerian Extractives Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI). They recently launched a strategic plan to promote investments, transparency, and capacity building in the solid minerals sector. According to NEITI, Nigeria has only made $1.4 billion from solid minerals in 13 years. That’s a tiny fraction compared to what we could be earning!
Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, believes that the solid minerals sector has the potential to contribute over 60% to our GDP. Can you imagine that? Outperforming oil! But for that to happen, we need to open up the sector for investment and tap into its enormous potential.
Dr. Orji has been advocating for more transparency and accountability in the management of solid mineral resources. He wants the government to disclose the payments they receive from the sector to build trust among stakeholders. And you know what? I couldn’t agree more with him!
It’s time for a change, my friends. We need to crack down on illegal mining and fully embrace the potential of our solid minerals sector. Let’s support the government’s efforts to combat this menace and ensure a brighter future for Nigeria. Together, we can make a difference!