Nasarawa canvasses deregulation of mining sector 

Minister, Kyari, others stress innovations to drive critical sectors
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has canvassed deregulation of the country’s mining sector as obtained in the oil and gas sector to open up abundant opportunities in the sector for Nigerians.

He made the call while delivering a goodwill message at the 60th Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) yearly international conference and exhibition in Abuja.

While noting that the country is blessed with abundant mineral resources, the governor insisted that the only way Nigeria could make headway in the mining sector was by undertaking a holistic liberalisation of the sector.

According to him, deliberate steps similar to what transpired in the oil and gas sector must be taken to modernise the nation’s solid minerals sector, attract investment, and ensure sustainable growth.

He recounted his experience on resumption of office in 2019. He said he was motivated to run for the governorship because of the abundant solid and mineral resources in the state.

He admitted that a lot needs to be done if Nasarawa should, indeed, answer its appellation as the ‘Home of Solid Minerals’.

IN their contributions, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kyari, and other industry leaders, highlighted groundbreaking innovations at driving sustainable development in the mineral, energy, water, and construction sectors.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Mary Ogbe, the minister underlined the importance of leveraging technology to maximise the nation’s vast natural resources

Kyari, on his part, harped on the role of innovation in optimising energy production and ensuring environmental sustainability. Others shared insights on new advancements to boost efficiency, economic growth, and responsible resource management.

He stressed the need for a robust energy security framework.

In his address, the President of NMGS, Prof. Akinade Olatunji, equally canvassed innovation in driving sustainable development in the mineral, energy, water, and construction sectors.

He called for policy reforms to harness Nigeria’s human resources and technological potential, urging strategic planning for national development.