FG To Make Solid Minerals Largest Source Of Revenue

By Georgina Humphrey

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, says his administration is working towards making solid minerals Nigeria’s largest source of revenue.

President Tinubu stated this at the second edition of the ongoing African Natural Resource and Energy Investment Summit, AFNIS, in Abuja.

Tinubu who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said Nigeria was able to make Petroleum her largest source of revenue hence it can do it again with Solid Minerals.

Tinubu who insisted that it is time to grow indigenous industries stressed that the President Tinubu led administration is poised to do everything possible to lower the risks of investment by overcoming the temptation to interfere in the legitimate business operations of duly licenced miners.

“We are determined to create conducive conditions for genuine businessmen. We shall do everything possible to assist law-abiding businesses to operate in our country” he added.

“We shall no longer tolerate criminals and their local collaborators who exploit our socio – economic environment to sabotage our nation, in the guise of bringing business. those caught will face the full wrath of our laws” the President stressed.

Earlier in his address of welcome, the minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake stressed that it is time to reshape Nigeria’s future through the huge mineral wealth available in the country.

Alake stressed that the ministry is working tirelessly to make the nation’s mineral wealth the engine room of the country’s prosperity.

He added that Nigeria is committed to driving the economic growth and prosperity of its citizens through proper harnessing of mineral resources.

The Minister further added that Nigeria will work collaboratively to diversify its energy sources, promote renewable energy, and implement energy efficiency measures.

Also Minister of Steel Development Prince Shuaibu Audu said that the pursuit of value addition has become paramount, particularly in the realm of transition metals.

He added that investing in domestic refining and production capabilities, is not only adding value but also paving the way for sustainable development,.

“The key lies not only in extracting these metals but in harnessing our capabilities to refine and produce them locally. Doing so is an opportunity to foster economic growth, create jobs, and also maintain control over our resource value chain” Audu stated.

Edited By Grace Namiji