Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule has called for the deregulation of Nigeria’s mining sector to enhance its potential. Speaking at the 60th Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society Annual Conference in Abuja, he advocated for reforms akin to those in the oil and gas industry, emphasising the need for modernization and liberalisation to attract investment.

Governor Sule highlighted Nigeria’s abundant mineral resources and criticized existing policies that impede growth. Reflecting on his oil industry experience, he underscored the importance of structured revenue-sharing and industry regulations to secure adequate returns for mining states.

During his term, he discovered that despite 416 mining licenses granted in Nasarawa, the state was receiving no significant financial returns, prompting him to challenge the National Economic Council regarding the lack of revenue compared to the oil sector. Recognising flaws in the licensing process, he issued an executive order to ensure that all minerals processed in the state before export, which boosted local investments.

He proudly noted that Nasarawa State now hosts Nigeria’s largest lithium processing plant and several other smaller tin mining operations. Governor Sule urged Nigeria to shift focus towards long-term industrialisation over short-term financial gains, drawing comparisons to China’s approach to mining development.

Sule remains determined to overcome resistance to regulations that would ultimately benefit the sector and the economy. Professor Akinade Olatunji, President of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society, acknowledged the governor’s contributions to advancing mining reforms in Nigeria, culminating in a fellowship award presented to him during the event.

Governor Abdullahi Sule’s call for the deregulation of Nigeria’s mining sector underlines his commitment to modernising the industry. By improving revenue-sharing mechanisms and enforcing operational regulations, he aims to harness the nation’s mining potential for sustainable growth and investment. His proactive measures reflect a determined effort to transform the sector into a vital component of Nigeria’s economy.

Original Source: dailypost.ng

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Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, regards his honorary fellowship from the Nigeria Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) as a sign of the federal government’s dedication to enhancing the mining sector. He emphasised that advancing this sector is a shared responsibility among various stakeholders.

Speaking at the 60th annual NMGS International Conference and Exhibition, themed “Transformation of the Mineral, Energy, Water and Construction Sectors Through Innovations,” Alake noted a global shift in mining practices towards digital technologies. He encouraged embracing these innovations to attract investment and improve productivity.

The ministry is focusing on using geospatial data and remote sensing for mineral exploration, which can reduce uncertainties and enhance investment decisions. Alake also mentioned plans for establishing mineral processing hubs to increase value and depend less on raw mineral exports.

The minister, represented by Dr. Mary Ogbe, expressed the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for growth in mining. Initiatives will include enhancing regulatory frameworks, promoting research partnerships, and providing support for small-scale miners through access to funding and mechanisation.

Alake urged the NMGS to promote industry collaboration for transforming the mining sector and reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to harnessing the nation’s natural resources for broader development. He stated an intention to create a resilient future for Nigeria’s mining and geosciences sector.

Prof. Akinade Olatunji, NMGS President, highlighted the critical role of innovation in sustainable development across various sectors. He urged for policies that optimise Nigeria’s youthful, dynamic population to drive growth, aiming to eradicate poverty through strategic transformation.

The conferment of Dr. Dele Alake as an honorary fellow of NMGS marks a significant commitment to transforming Nigeria’s mining sector through innovation and collaboration. With efforts focused on digital technology adoption, regulatory enhancements, and support for local miners, there is an optimistic outlook for sustainable development in Nigeria’s mining and geosciences. Furthermore, the NMGS conference underscored the potential of innovation in resolving challenges across multiple sectors while aiming to utilise Nigeria’s abundant resources more effectively.

Original Source: www.thisdaylive.com

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Abdullahi Sule, the governor of Nasarawa State, has highlighted the need for Nigeria to abandon the community consent form as the sole means for granting mining licences. Speaking at the NMGS conference, he pointed out that this restriction hampers states from obtaining proper revenue from the mining sector, which he believes is Nigeria’s true source of wealth, surpassing oil.

To combat the challenges in obtaining mining licences, the governor introduced an executive order mandating that all companies mining in commercial quantities must process their minerals within the state. Prior to this law, despite 416 mining licences existing, Nasarawa State received no revenue. Following implementation, the state saw the establishment of numerous processing plants, boosting local revenue.

Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, emphasised the government’s commitment to modernising the sector through geospatial data and remote sensing technologies. These initiatives are designed to improve mineral exploration and investment decision-making while minimising uncertainties.

Alake’s representative, Dr. Mary Ogbe, also reaffirmed the federal government’s dedication to fostering an environment conducive to innovative growth in mining and related sectors. This includes the creation of mineral processing hubs aimed at enhancing value addition and diminishing dependence on raw mineral exports.

Prof. Akinade Shadrach Olatunji, President of NMGS, stated that integrating agriculture with advanced geoscience and mining solutions would significantly transform Nigeria’s economy. He noted that industrialised nations have long recognised this relationship, supporting well-funded geoscience and mining agencies with top-tier talent.

In summary, Governor Abdullahi Sule advocates for reforming Nigeria’s mining licence system to enhance revenue. He has implemented measures in Nasarawa State to facilitate local mineral processing. The federal government is also focused on leveraging technology and creating hubs for mineral processing to boost value addition, aiming to transform the mining sector into a key economic driver alongside agriculture.

Original Source: dailytrust.com

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