The Government’s Ministry of Solid Minerals Development recently introduced the Nigeria Mineral Resources Decision Support System (NMDSS). This new undertaking aims to enhance the ease of conducting business within the mining sector and attract a broader base of international investors.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, emphasized the NMDSS’s significance in providing potential investors with critical information pertaining to Nigeria’s mineral reserves, mining sector policies, and investment incentives. The introduction of the NMDSS reflects the government’s commitment to extending accessibility to essential information for prospective investors on a global scale.
The NMDSS seeks to function as a one-stop resource for investors in need of reliable and incisive knowledge about Nigeria’s mineral resources, facilities, and infrastructure. This pioneering marketing strategy is designed to streamline the investment process within the solid minerals sector.
In addition to the NMDSS, the Minister disclosed the government’s measures to combat illegal mining activities through the deployment of a team of mining marshals. This initiative is integral to a broader endeavour of purging the mining sector and formalizing the operations of artisanal miners. The government has also established cooperatives to legalize the activities of artisanal miners across the country.
During a meeting with the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Minister Alake underscored the necessity of increased funding to support comprehensive exploration of the nation’s mineral reserves. He highlighted the limited level of investment in mining exploration and appealed for greater financial backing to enhance the ministry’s capabilities within this realm.
Comprising 2,220 personnel deployed nationally, the Mining Marshals will play a crucial role in eradicating illegal mining activities. Furthermore, the Ministry has initiated a radio campaign to discourage illegal mining and promote the formation of cooperatives among artisanal miners in line with the Minister’s 7-point agenda.
To add value to the mining sector, the Minister announced plans to establish six new processing centres across the country. Nonetheless, he stressed that these endeavors necessitate legislative support and improved funding to be fully realised.
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, lauded the Minister for his dedication to positioning solid minerals at the forefront of the country’s efforts to diversify its economy. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between the executive and legislative branches to address the challenges within the mining sector and unlock the potential of Nigeria’s vast mineral reserves.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, Senator Ekong Sampson, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the need to harness Nigeria’s mineral resources for the benefit of all Nigerians.
In summary, the government’s new initiative represents a significant stride towards attracting global investors to Nigeria’s mining sector. With increased funding and collaborative efforts, the country has the potential to further develop its mineral resources and make solid minerals a cornerstone of its economic diversification efforts.