The federal government has restated its firm resolve to diversify the economy through efficient, effective exploration of its solid mineral resources to achieve rapid socio-ecocomic growth.
While receiving an 18-member delegation from Ghana College of Defence Studies led by Brigadier-General Fred Ntiri on behalf of the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Yunusa Muhammed director, artisanal & small scale mining department informed the visitors that in realisation of the dwindling government revenue from a monolithic economy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration deemed it imperative to diversify the economy in line with its renewed hope agenda towards increasing revenue and as well enhance the gross domestic product of the country through the solid minerals.
“Nigeria had operated a monolithic economy since late 1950s. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deemed it necessary to diversify the economy. Solid mineral is now being accorded high priority to achieve rapid socio-economic development and prosperity for the benefit of Nigerians,” he said.
He therefore expressed optimism that the interaction between Nigeria’s Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and Ghana College of Defence Studies would expand their frontiers of knowledge.
Speaking about international best practices on mining, Muhammed asserted that Nigeria stands to gain from Ghana’s enormously rich experience spanning several decades most especially in artisanal mining.
In his remarks, leader of delegation, Brigadier-General Fred Ntiri stated that their visit to the ministry was part of a deliberate initiative to achieve experiential knowledge of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector aside their classroom environment.
He affirmed that the overall mandate of the Ghana College of Defence Studies is woven around deploying strategies that would enhance the living standards of Ghanaians.
In her lead presentation, the director of mines environmental compliance Dr Vivian Okono enlightened the visitors on structure of the ministry, regulatory framework, functions of departments/agencies and opportunities inherent in the sector.
The interactive session generated by Dr Okono’s presentation enriched the visitors’ insights into the ministry’s policy initiatives and measures at sanitising the sector.
