Nigeria Set to Establish New Hub for Mining Sector
The Nigerian government has announced its intention to establish the Nigerian Mining Centre of Excellence (CoE) in order to address the needs of investors in the solid minerals sector. The announcement was made by Dr. Mrs. Mary Ogbe, the permanent secretary of the Ministries of Solid Minerals Development and Steel Development, during the inauguration of the Committee for the Establishment of the Nigerian Mining Centre of Excellence (CoE) at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
According to a statement released by Alaba Balogun, the deputy director (Information) in the ministry, the Centre of Excellence will serve as a comprehensive resource for the mining sector. This initiative is part of the ongoing efforts to reposition and ensure that the mining sector significantly contributes to the growth of the nation’s economy.
Dr. Ogbe emphasized the importance of establishing the Centre of Excellence, stating that it was essential for the Ministry’s contribution to the growth of the Nigerian economy. She explained that the CoE will facilitate collaborations among the key departments of the Ministry and will meet the needs of investors in the solid minerals sector. Additionally, the CoE will promote knowledge-sharing, best practices, and capacity building within the mining sector.
The permanent secretary expressed confidence in the CoE’s ability to act as a focal point for international partnerships and collaboration in the field of mining investment. She also mentioned that the minister of solid minerals development, Dr. Dele Alake, has pledged his full support for the activities of the CoE to ensure the fulfillment of its mandate.
The CoE will encourage collaborations among the key departments and agencies of the Ministry, including the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), Mines Inspectorate, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Ministry of Steel Development, and Office of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development. The Committee responsible for the establishment of the CoE will be chaired by the director of Investment Promotion and Minerals Trade Department of the Ministry.
This initiative by the Nigerian government demonstrates its commitment to bolstering the mining sector and attracting investments in solid minerals. By creating a central hub for the industry, it aims to streamline processes for investors and promote the growth of the nation’s economy through the sustainable development of the mining sector. The establishment of the Nigerian Mining Centre of Excellence is a significant step towards realising this vision.
