Nigeria aims to strengthen its mining sector through ongoing reforms, establishing a corporate entity for international partnerships and curbing illegal mining by enhancing regulations. The commitment includes a Centre of Excellence and government support to position Nigeria as a leader in responsible mining.
Dr. Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, highlighted that current reforms aim to elevate Nigeria to a global mining hub during the 2024 Nigeria Mining Week. He stressed government efforts to enhance the sector, promote investment, and sanitise mining through various measures. The upcoming Nigeria Solid Minerals Corporation aims to enhance partnerships for joint ventures, while initiatives against illegal mining have seen over 300 arrests. Establishing 250 artisanal mining cooperatives, he hopes to strengthen regulation. The Federal Government plans a multi-agency Mining Marshals squad for effective oversight using satellite technology. Furthermore, a new Centre of Excellence within the ministry will leverage data analytics for informed policymaking. President Bola Tinubu’s administration supports these reforms to establish Nigeria as a leader in responsible mining practices.
The Nigerian government is focusing on revitalising its mining sector to become a key player globally. This involves tackling illegal mining, promoting formal cooperative structures for artisanal miners, and enhancing investment climate through corporate reforms. The establishment of a Centre of Excellence aims to integrate advanced technologies in decision-making processes, ensuring well-informed policies and accountability in resource management. Such reforms are positioned to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth agenda.
In summary, Nigeria’s efforts to transform its mining sector under Dr. Alake’s leadership are focused on creating a reputable industry framework that fosters investment and curbs illegal activities. With the imminent establishment of a corporate entity and advanced monitoring capabilities, Nigeria is poised to enhance its global standing in mining. Support from the government further reinforces these initiatives, marking a significant shift towards responsible mining practices that underpin the nation’s economic aspirations.
Original Source: tribuneonlineng.com