FG showcases mining sector reforms

The Federal Government, on Wednesday, highlighted ongoing efforts to transform the mining sector through innovative reforms aimed at increasing transparency, attracting investments, and enhancing the ease of doing business.

It also highlighted the government’s efforts in repositioning the sector, including combating illegal mining, introducing advanced technology, and marketing Nigeria’s solid minerals globally.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, disclosed during the closing ceremony of the 9th Nigeria Mining Week held in Abuja.

The event, themed “From the Inside-Out: Building the Mining Sector to be the Cornerstone of Nigeria’s Economy,” said that the provided a platform for stakeholders to address challenges and propose innovative solutions for the sector.

He said: “This platform has allowed stakeholders to learn, dissect challenges, and share solutions. We’ve introduced initiatives such as the Nigerian Mineral Company, aggressive international marketing, and the integration of data analytics and artificial intelligence into our regulatory framework.

“These measures aim to create a win-win situation for all stakeholders by enhancing transparency and ease of doing business in the sector.”

In his presentation, the Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom, reiterated MCO’s pivotal role as the foundation of Nigeria’s mining sector.

“MCO is the gateway to the mining sector, driving transparency, efficiency, and sustainability. Our mandate ensures responsible management of Nigeria’s mineral resources, attracting investments while safeguarding the environment.”

Nkom also introduced the upgraded eMC+ system (Electronic Mining Cadastre System), a web-based platform for real-time mineral title management, enhancing efficiency and transparency throughout the lifecycle of mineral titles.

He noted that the system was first used internally in December 2021 and officially unveiled in November 2022 by the then Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

Also speaking, the Director of VUKA Group, Samukelo Madlabane, emphasized the importance of sustainable mining practices and local content development during the event. He commended Nigeria Mining Week for fostering collaboration and innovation within the industry.

“This event continues to serve as a platform for dialogue and innovation, focusing on sustainable practices, investment opportunities, and local content. Together, we can position Nigeria as a global mining powerhouse,” he said.

Madlabane also expressed gratitude to the event’s partners, sponsors, and exhibitors, noting their role in advancing Nigeria’s mining sector.

The President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Mr. Dele Ayanleke, called for a comprehensive overhaul of the sector to address governance and operational inefficiencies.

He said: “The mining sector holds the key to wealth distribution and poverty reduction at the grassroots. With mineral deposits spread across all 774 local government areas, the sector can drive equitable wealth distribution and alleviate poverty through value chain development.”

Ayanleke urged stakeholders to support the government’s 7-Point Agenda for the solid minerals sector, designed to maximize its contribution to economic growth and development.

The 9th Nigeria Mining Week reaffirmed the sector’s potential as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda. With the government’s policy initiatives, technological advancements, and a focus on sustainability, stakeholders expressed optimism about unlocking the sector’s full potential for national development.