Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, yesterday, called for an enhanced partnership with the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development to propel Nigeria’s solid minerals sector towards sustained economic impact. 
  
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to transforming solid minerals into a top contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), emphasising that every staff member was dedicated to achieving the shared vision.
  
The minister appealed during an oversight visit by the team led by its chairman, Senator Ekong Sampson, to the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. He highlighted the ministry’s recent achievements and ambitious vision for solidifying Nigeria’s role in the global minerals landscape.
  
His words: “Your critical feedback has been vital to our progress. We look forward to an even closer collaboration with the Senate to ensure our work leaves a lasting legacy.”
  
In a statement, Alake commended the ministry’s progress in attracting foreign investment and expanding Nigeria’s presence on the international stage, particularly after its local value-addition policy was endorsed at the recent Africa Minerals Strategy Group summit.  

Alake said there were plans to acquire satellite technology that would enable real-time monitoring of mining operations, adding: “This innovative approach will allow the ministry to observe production levels and resource extraction in real-time, ensuring adherence to approved limits and reducing unauthorised practices.” 
  
In his response, Senator Ekong commended the ministry’s achievements, particularly in improving revenue performance. 
  
“This sector is crucial to our economy, and we are impressed by the improved revenue profile. 
 
“Together with the ministry and through active collaboration, we are confident in our ability to drive sustainable development in this essential sector,” he added.  Director-General of Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), Obadiah Simon Nkom, said the agency had generated N26 billion over the past five years.