The new Mining Act for the mining sub- sector would help the country to generate maximum economic benefits from the solid mineral sector, even as it would be a major contributor to gross domestic product of the country in the nearest future.
This indication was given by the minister of solid mineral development, Dr Dele Alake who commended the commitment of stakeholders in the mining industry
Dr Alake disclosed this during a stakeholder meeting organised by the ministry on Mining Policy Dialogue and Amendment of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 in Abuja on Friday.
Speaking during the engagement workshop, Alake highlighted the commonality of purpose existing between mine operators, policy makers and government on the need to deliberate and review the Nigerian Mining Act 2007 in order to gain economic benefits from the solid minerals sector.
”You and us in the ministry have the same objective and that objective is to ensure that we enhance the operating environment of solid minerals in Nigeria with a view to maximising the benefits for you and all of us and, of course, for the generality of Nigerians,” Alake stated.
Buttressing further, he alluded to several initiatives and policies of the ministry in the past one year of being at the helm of affairs, saying those recorded milestones received positive reactions from Nigerians, international investors, policy makers and observers.
To this end, he 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 economy revolve.
“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 would take cognizance of the interest of all sectors, with the interest of all stakeholders, the operators, companies, policy makers, those of us on this side of the divide and of course the generality of Nigerians.”
Addressing participants during the stakeholders engagement workshop from a broad spectrum of mining operators, civil society organisations and other critical stakeholders; the permanent secretary, Dr Mary Ogbe emphasized the importance of proferring actionable solutions that will enhance the competitiveness of our mining sector.
According to her, ”We are here not just to discuss challenges but to find actionable solutions that would enhance the competitiveness of our mining sector, promote transparency, ensure environmental sustainability, and ultimately improve the livelihoods of all Nigerians”, the Permanent Secretary stated.