Nigeria’s Commitment to Sustainable Mining Practices: Ratifying African Mineral Development Statutes
In a recent effort to promote sustainable mining practices and harness Africa’s mineral wealth for development, Nigeria has officially ratified the statutes of the African Mineral Development Centre (AMDC). This significant step underscores Nigeria’s commitment to the responsible management of mineral resources and its role in driving economic growth.
The ratification instrument was received by the Office of the Legal Counsel (OLC) in February, positioning Nigeria as the fourth African country to ratify the statutes after Guinea, Mali, and Zambia. With this action, Nigeria joins the effort to advance the sustainable management of mineral resources and facilitate economic development in Africa.
In a statement issued on its social media platform, the AMDC commended Nigeria for taking proactive measures towards achieving the collective vision of a prosperous and inclusive Africa through responsible mineral resource governance. The Centre emphasized the importance of working hand in hand with all member states to address challenges and opportunities in the minerals sector, promote sustainable development, and enhance Africa’s global competitiveness.
According to Tunde Arisekola, the senior advisor of Geological and Minerals Information at AMDC, Nigeria’s ratification holds significant implications for the nation’s solid minerals sector. With this move, Nigeria signals its commitment to align with international standards and the African Mining Vision (AMV).
The African Mining Vision, which originated from the African Union Summit in February 2009, represents a crucial step in addressing the imbalance between abundant mineral resources and widespread poverty across the continent. The vision advocates for a departure from traditional mining paradigms and emphasizes comprehensive development, including industrialization and value addition.
AMV also prioritises maximizing local benefits from mining activities, ensuring environmental integrity, and advocating for equitable contract negotiations between nations and multinational mining corporations. It aligns with the goal of integrating mining into broader industrial and trade frameworks at a regional scale.
The significance of Nigeria’s ratification of the AMDC statutes was highlighted at the 59th Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) in Jos. Tunde Arisekola explained that the ratification underscores Nigeria’s careful assessment of the AMDC’s objectives and interests, as well as its willingness to provide financial support through the AU budget.
With Nigeria’s ratification, the AMDC moves one step closer to realizing its vision of driving responsible mineral resource governance in Africa. It also sets the stage for further contributions and commitment from other African countries and enhances the continent’s global competitiveness.
Overall, Nigeria’s ratification of the AMDC statutes is a significant milestone in the nation’s efforts to promote sustainable mining practices and advance responsible mineral resource governance. It exemplifies Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging its mineral wealth for the benefit of present and future generations, as well as its dedication to the vision of a prosperous and inclusive Africa.
