Driving Innovation and Efficiency in the Mineral Sector
The Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, conducted visits to various agencies under the ministry in order to advocate for reforms and the strict adherence to due process in accordance with the Renewed Hope agenda of the Tinubu administration. During these visits, Dr. Alake commended the efforts of the Mining Cadastral Office (MCO) in the management of mineral titles, while also emphasizing the need for further improvement. He highlighted that the perception of progress in the mining sector is closely tied to the activities of the MCO.
The Director-General of MCO, Engr. Obadiah Nkom, expressed satisfaction in hosting the Minister and highlighted the agency’s transition to digitalize its operations through the Electronic Mining Cadastral System. However, he acknowledged challenges in processing applications due to backlogs from the old system, assuring ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency.
Dr. Alake also urged the MCO to improve its productivity, while emphasizing that its actions reflect on the entire ministry. He addressed concerns about the agency’s role in various solid mineral activities and emphasized the need to address issues related to licenses and underhand dealings in order to improve public perception. Similarly, during the visit to the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), the Director-General, Dr. Abdulrasak Garba, highlighted the agency’s role in generating geosciences information for the mining sector and mentioned funding constraints as a challenge. In response, Dr. Alake acknowledged the agency’s contributions to various sectors and encouraged self-sustainability amidst financial constraints.
In addition, during the visit to the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG), Dr. Alake praised the agency’s accreditation and certification role in the mineral sector and assured efforts for budgetary provisions while urging the agency to explore innovative funding solutions. He emphasized the importance of the COMEG stamp in reports from the extractive industry, signaling the agency’s commitment to quality control.
In conclusion, Dr. Dele Alake’s visits to these agencies underscore the government’s commitment to driving innovation and efficiency in the mining sector. His emphasis on reform and productivity reflects the administration’s dedication to advancing the mineral industry while addressing existing challenges. These engagements serve as a catalyst for redefining the operational landscape of these agencies in alignment with national development goals and regulatory standards.
