Revolutionizing Nigeria’s Mineral Wealth: Deputy Speaker Calls for Action
Dear Honourable Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives,
I am writing to express my appreciation for your insightful remarks regarding the untapped potential of Nigeria’s mining sector at the recent public policy dialogue in Abuja. Your concerns about the limiting factors of insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of skilled labour hindering the sector’s growth were indeed valid and thought-provoking.
It is evident that Nigeria, with its rich reserves of over forty commercially viable minerals, is only contributing a mere 0.3% to the country’s GDP through its mining industry, a figure that warrants urgent attention and corrective measures. Your co-sponsorship of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (Amendment) Bill and eight other mining bills, underlining the pivotal role in shaping the nation’s mineral wealth, is commendable and reflective of your commitment to driving meaningful change.
Your proposition of a shift in the governing philosophy of the mining sector towards a private-sector-led approach to harness the true potential of Nigeria’s mineral resources is a strategic and forward-thinking initiative. This shift has the potential to bring about economic diversification, job creation, and investment opportunities, thereby contributing to the overall prosperity of the nation.
Your reference to the Segilola Gold Project in Osun State, Nigeria’s first industrial-scale gold mine, as evidence of the mining industry’s renewed vigour, and affirmation of the private sector’s significant economic contribution, added credence to your arguments. Your emphasis on the need for collaborative efforts between stakeholders to harness the sector’s potential for sustainable development, in light of the introduction of new legislation focusing on security, infrastructure, skilled workforce development, and streamlined regulation, further underscores your holistic approach to reforming the sector.
The support and affirmations from esteemed individuals such as the Governor of Nasarawa State, Mr Abdullahi Sule, and Hon. Jonathan Gbefwi, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals, further highlight the urgent need for synergy between the state and federal governments to address taxing issues in the sector.
Lastly, the public policy dialogue that brought together various stakeholders with the aim of addressing critical aspects of the solid mineral industry and paving the way for a revitalized approach to mining in Nigeria is a testament to your commitment to fostering collaboration and strategic policy formulation for the greater good.
In conclusion, it is evident that Nigeria’s mineral resources have been overlooked for too long in light of the dominant focus on oil. I echo your sentiment regarding the crucial role of collective efforts from the government, businesses, communities, and civil society in driving forward the mining industry. By leveraging partnerships and innovation, Nigeria has the capacity to unlock the vast potential of its mineral wealth and transform its mining sector, thereby ensuring sustainable growth and economic development.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to addressing the challenges and opportunities in Nigeria’s mining sector, and I look forward to witnessing the positive impact of the reforms and policies that you are spearheading.
Yours sincerely, [Your Name]
