Nigeria Set to Welcome New Mining Initiative, Says Minister

The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has announced that Nigeria is preparing to welcome a new mining corporation that is set to bring about a revolution in the solid minerals sector. This significant announcement was made during the launch of a two-day Roundtable Summit on the Development of the Mining Industry in Nigeria, organized by the esteemed National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Abuja.

Dr. Alake expressed utmost confidence in the imminent transformation of the mining sector in Nigeria, reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to economic diversification. He also highlighted the remarkable progress already achieved in the solid minerals sector under the leadership of the Tinubu administration, and disclosed that the President is scheduled to carry out a momentous event in the mining sector in partnership with the Nasarawa State Government.

The Minister underscored the government’s resolve to confront illegal mining activities by establishment of 150 mining cooperatives and the introduction of mining marshals to enforce mining laws and combat illicit mining activities.

Moreover, Dr. Alake stressed the government’s position on the value addition to minerals, emphasizing that companies wishing to invest in the mining sector must contribute to the value chain. The goal is to put an end to the ‘Pit to Port’ phenomenon, where solid minerals are mined and exported in raw form.

The Minister lauded the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies for prioritizing the mining sector and expressed optimism that Nigeria is on course to becoming a global mining destination. He also highlighted the importance of the roundtable in enriching the nation’s mining sector.

Additionally, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr Abdullahi Sule, announced that soon the Tinubu-led administration will inaugurate the largest lithium processing company in Nigeria.

Earlier in the summit, Prof Ayo Omotayo, the Director General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, elucidated on the importance of the brainstorming Summit with stakeholders from various federal ministries, agencies, State Governments, security agencies, and investors. He emphasized the necessity to align with the President’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda.

In his keynote address, Prof Akinade Olatunji stressed the crucial need for political will to drive sustainable growth in the mining sector, and emphasized the potential of the Nigerian Mineral and Mining sector to contribute to the nation’s economic development.

Lastly, in a goodwill message, the National President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, ‘Dele Ayanleke, called for swift deployment of proactive strategies to address existing challenges in the sector.

It is evident that Nigeria’s excitement for the new mining corporation reflects the government’s determination to unlock the potentials of the mining sector and diversify the nation’s economy. The collaborative efforts of various stakeholders and the political will to drive sustainable development will be crucial in realizing this vision.