Minister for Solid Minerals Development, Dr Oladele Alake has affirmed that the mining industry coupled with the vast mineral resources of the country has immense capacity to diversify and leap frog the economy into employment generation opportunities for the citizenry.
Dele Alake, made this known during the 2nd Pre-event Press briefing announcing the forthcoming Nigeria Mining Week, scheduled to hold 16 – 18 October 2023. The briefing event held at the Ministry’s Headquarters on Wednesday 11th October, 2023 in Abuja.
Explaining the role of the mining industry for economic development, Dr. Alake said “beneath the nation’s soil lie vast mineral resources that harbor tremendous potential that is pivotal for economic growth and prosperity of not just Nigeria but also to the wider African Continent”.
Furthermore, the Honourable Minister stated that the theme of this year’s Mining Week “Unlocking Nigeria’s Mining Potential” is apt and germane as it aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to make the mining industry contribute substantially to economic diversification of the nation.
“It encapsulates the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to harness the abundant mineral resources that are spread across the land, the country have witnessed substantial progress in the mining sector as the Ministry has executed critical reforms, modernized the Regulatory Framework that has attracted both local and foreign investments”, the Minister noted.
According to the Honourable Minister, these reforms have led to significant improvements in the mining activities in Nigeria.
Elaborating further, the Minister identified some of the key objectives of the 2023 Mining Week to include Knowledge Sharing, investment promotion, sustainable practices, skills development and infrastructure development.
On the importance of this annual event, Dr. Alake said it avails an ample opportunity for collective action and collaboration between the public and private sectors, civil society and international partners.
In her address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mary Ogbe, noted that the Nigeria Mining Week holds immense promise as a vital platform for industry leaders, stakeholders and enthusiasts to converge, collaborate, and exchange ideas. She added that the nation’s abundant mineral resources offers a unique opportunity to foster sustainable economic growth and development.
Speaking earlier, the President, Miners Association of Nigeria, Mr Dele Ayanleke said the renewed hope agenda of the present administration has reignited a renewed interest in the development of the solid minerals sector, now reinforced with the forthcoming Nigeria Mining Week, scheduled to hold between 16 and 18 October 2023. He reaffimed that the event offers an array of opportunities to every stakeholders’ group in the Nigeria project.
Alaba Balogun
Head, Press & Public Relations
