The Nigerian Government and Cross-River State have announced a collaborative effort to revitalise the country’s mining sector and crack down on illicit mining activities within the state. This initiative comes as Dr. Oladele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, emphasised the importance of cooperation between the federal government and subnational authorities in harnessing the nation’s mineral resources for economic development.
During a meeting with Cross-River State Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu, the Minister underscored the significance of this partnership. He stated, “The governor’s visit exemplifies the collaboration we seek between the federal government and subnational authorities. Our objective is to cleanse the mining sector, secure mining areas, and create a favourable environment for investors.” This exemplifies a renewed spirit of collaboration to address the challenges confronted by the mining industry.
Governor Otu, in turn, reaffirmed Cross-River State’s commitment to utilising its abundant mineral resources for the state’s advancement. He stressed the importance of working closely with the ministry to combat illegal mining activities and ensure adherence to proper mining processes. “We needed to examine the laws and regulations governing proper mining processes. This will assist us in making informed decisions in partnership with the federal government to overhaul the mining sector. We are also exploring Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to capitalise on our extensive solid mineral potential,” Governor Otu asserted.
Additionally, the Governor revealed that Cross-River State is in the process of establishing a mining company, following the application for a license as a limited liability company. This underscores the state’s resolve to actively engage in the mining sector and contribute to the overall development of the industry.
In conclusion, the collaboration between the Nigerian Government and Cross-River State represents a significant stride towards addressing the challenges within the mining sector. It demonstrates a proactive approach to reforming policies, combating illegal mining activities, and promoting sustainable mining practices. This partnership reflects the joint efforts of both entities to create a favourable environment for mining investments and unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s mineral resources.