Nigeria Takes the Lead in Protecting Africa from Mining Exploitation
Nigeria has taken a remarkable stride in safeguarding Africa from exploitation in the mining industry. The nation has assumed the leadership of the newly established Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) and has committed to uniting African nations against external exploitation.
Dr. Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, has been elected as the inaugural chairman of AMSG and has pledged to spearhead the effort in rallying African countries to stand against exploitation by external entities. This development transpired following a unanimous election during the 30th edition of Investing in Africa Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa.
The meeting was well-attended by ministers of mineral development from Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Chad, Botswana, Zambia, and Namibia. The participating countries have demonstrated their support for the AMSG under Nigeria’s leadership, with over 15 nations pledging their commitment to the cause.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, Alake underscored the necessity for African leaders to come together and collaborate in maximizing the benefits from the continent’s mineral resources. He underscored the significance of unity in advocating for value addition as a prerequisite for investment in the mining sector and announced that the era of external entities extracting solid minerals is over.
Alake also underscored the economic importance of Africa’s critical metals in the energy transition and the need for unity to prevent a recurrence of past distressing experiences. He conveyed the message that Africa should speak with one voice to demonstrate sincerity of purpose and gain the respect of the world.
Nigeria and Uganda had previously joined forces in January to rally African Ministers of Solid Minerals/Mineral Resources during the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This further emphasised the need for unity in championing value addition in the mining sector to boost the economies of African countries.
Alake called for consistent regulations and laws governing the mining sector across African countries to prevent any form of divisive tactics. He also pledged Nigeria’s unwavering support in achieving the objectives of AMSG on behalf of the President.
This initiative by Nigeria marks a significant turning point in the battle against exploitation in Africa’s mining industry. With the leadership of AMSG, the continent may witness a more unified front and a stronger stance against external exploitation. It signifies a step towards safeguarding Africa’s resources and enhancing its economy through responsible and unified governance in the mining sector.
