Empowering Solid Minerals Sector: Minister’s Advocacy for Reforms and Efficiency
Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, Initiates Tour of Solid Minerals Agencies
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has commenced a tour of the agencies falling under the jurisdiction of the Solid Minerals Ministry. The primary objective of the tour is to advocate for reforms and strict adherence to due process in alignment with the Renewed Hope agenda of the Tinubu administration.
According to a press statement by Segun Tomori, the special assistant on media to the minister, the tour commenced with a visit to the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO).
During his visit to the Mining Cadastral Office (MCO), the Minister commended the efforts of the agency as the custodian of mineral titles and emphasized the need to address perceived inadequacies. Engr. Obadiah Nkom, the Director-General of MCO, expressed pleasure in hosting the Minister and outlined the agency’s role as the issuer of mining licenses.
He revealed that the MCO transitioned to a digital platform called Electronic Mining Cadastral System in 2022, leading to a significant increase in applications but also acknowledged challenges such as delays in processing applications due to backlogs from the old system. Engr. Nkom assured that efforts are underway to streamline the processes for greater efficiency in collaboration with the World Bank-assisted Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification, MinDiver.
In response, Minister Alake urged the agency to enhance its productivity and stressed the importance of reform. He cautioned that necessary measures would be taken if the agency fails to address these issues.
At the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), Dr. Abdulrasak Garba, the Director-General, highlighted the agency’s pivotal role in generating geosciences information for the development of the mining sector and appealed to the Minister for intervention due to funding constraints. Minister Alake acknowledged the broad impact of NGSA’s functions beyond the mining sector and encouraged the agency to explore innovative ways to become self-sustaining.
Finally, at the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG), Minister Alake recognized its role in accrediting and certifying mining professionals and urged the agency to seek internal solutions to funding challenges. He advised the agency to consider increasing membership fees and to enforce strict adherence to accreditation standards.
In conclusion, Minister Dele Alake’s tour of solid minerals agencies underscores the government’s commitment to driving reforms and efficiency in the mining sector. The visit serves as a platform for engaging with key agencies, addressing critical challenges, and advocating for self-sustainability amidst financial constraints. By taking proactive measures and emphasizing the need for improvement, the Minister reinforces the government’s objectives for progress and development in the solid minerals industry.
