Alake confident new mining act will boost GDP 

Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dr Dele Alake, on Friday, assured that the forthcoming Mining Act will optimize economic benefits from the solid mineral sector, positioning it as a significant contributor to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) shortly.

Alake disclosed this in Abuja, during a stakeholder meeting organized by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development on Mining Policy Dialogue and Amendment of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007; held at the Rock View Hotel Wuse II, Abuja.

He highlighted the commonality of purpose existing between mine operators, policymakers and government on the need to deliberate and review the Nigerian Mining Act 2007,  to gain economic benefits from the solid minerals sector.

Alake said: “You and us in the Ministry have the same objective, and what is the objective, to ensure that we enhance the operating environment of Solid Minerals in Nigeria with a view to maximizing the benefits for you and all of us and of course, for the generality of  Nigerians.”

The Minister alluded to several initiatives and policies of the Ministry in the past year of being at the helm of affairs. These recorded milestones, he stated, have received positive reactions from Nigerians, international investors, policymakers, and observers.

Alake affirmed that the stakeholder meeting for reviewing the mining act is a positive step to reposition the sector as a pivot around which all other sectors of the Nigerian economy revolve.

He added, “I want to appeal to everyone of you to keep up the flag, keep up the strides , and keep on achieving in your various individual and corporate endeavors.

“At the end of the day, we wish all of us to come out with a new Nigerian Mining Act that will take cognizance of the interest of all sectors, with the interest of all stakeholders, the operators, companies, the policy makers, those of us on this side of the divide, and of course the generality of Nigerians.”

In her address, the Permanent Secretary of Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Mary Ogbe, emphasized the importance of proferring actionable solutions that will enhance the competitiveness of our mining sector.

She said: “We are here not just to discuss challenges but to find actionable solutions that will enhance the competitiveness of our mining sector, promote transparency, ensure environmental sustainability, and ultimately improve the livelihoods of all Nigerians.”