The MinDiver Project has officially transitioned to the ministries of Solid Minerals and Steel Development, with a focus on sustaining and enhancing Nigeria’s mining sector. The project aims to address challenges and create a diversified, resilient industry that contributes significantly to economic growth.
The Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification (MinDiver) Project has transitioned to the oversight of the ministries of Solid Minerals and Steel Development following a formal handover ceremony in Abuja. This transfer signifies a pivotal moment as the ministries now manage initiatives aimed at transforming Nigeria’s mining sector. Dr. Mary Ogbe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, stressed the project’s goal to create a resilient and diversified mining sector, which should bolster economic development. She underscored the necessity for continuous engagement to maximise the benefits from investments made in MinDiver and urged agency heads to explore how their departments could contribute to ongoing objectives. Ogbe also highlighted the importance of aligning departmental goals with MinDiver’s activities to sustain progress beyond the project’s conclusion in 2024. The chief accounting officer emphasised MinDiver as a comprehensive strategy to utilise Nigeria’s mineral resources effectively and called for stakeholder ownership to maintain the project’s momentum. Additionally, she discussed the importance of informed budgeting in the ongoing planning process, ensuring that investments yield lasting benefits for the mining industry. Dr. Christopher Isokpunwu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, pointed out the need to address external challenges to the industry, encouraging collaborative efforts among stakeholders to strengthen resilience and ensure growth. Sallim Salam, former MinDiver project coordinator, articulated that the project aimed to enhance institutional oversight while developing the downstream mining sector. He noted that MinDiver had achieved 75% of its goals, focusing on critical areas such as geological data and social safeguards. Salam also highlighted the creation of a pool of trained personnel for effective project management. The ceremony’s key moment was the official handover of MinDiver, which was attended by stakeholders from various sectors, marking its significance in Nigeria’s economic agenda.
The MinDiver Project, initiated in 2017, aims to support Nigeria’s economic diversification by establishing a robust mining sector. With a completion date set for 2024, the project is focused on promoting transparency, resilience, and diversification within the mineral resources industry, aiming to transform its contribution to the nation’s economy. By transferring oversight to the ministries of Solid Minerals and Steel Development, the project positions itself for sustainable implementation and long-term impact, aligning government efforts to maximise the benefits from significant investments made so far.
The handover of the MinDiver Project to the ministries of Solid Minerals and Steel Development marks a crucial step in enhancing Nigeria’s mining sector. With a focus on sustainability and alignment of departmental strategies, the project is poised to ensure continued growth and diversification of the industry, vital for Nigeria’s economic future. Stakeholder engagement and adherence to high standards in geological assessment are essential to maintain momentum and credibility in attracting investments.
Original Source: sciencenigeria.com