Era Of Exporting Raw Materials Over – Tinubu

By Georgina Humphrey

President Bola Tinubu says the era of exporting raw materials in Nigeria is over.

President Tinubu stated this at the 8th edition of the Nigerian mining week in Abuja.

Tinubu who was represented by the Secretary General of the Federation, George Akume stressed that Nigeria would maintain policy consistency to ensure value addition on mineral resources to control waste of economic resources.

He said the Mining sector had suffered a lot of neglect in the past years.

In his keynote address the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, explained that his ministry is committed to demonstrate Mr.President’s unwavering commitment to the development of the Nigerian Mining Sector as a significant source of economic diversification of the country’s monolithic revenue base.

“We charted a new direction with the articulation of the Seven-Point Transformation Agenda, which focuses on the establishment of the national mining company; development of Big, standardized and internationally certified Data; formalisation of artisanal mining through co-operatives; security of mines in collaboration with security agencies; conscientisation of mining communities to ensure their lawful rights and commit licenses to community empowerment and the strategic promotions of our country’s vast mineral deposits for indigenous and international investments”.

“Mr President, I must record the extraordinary enthusiasm of all the critical stakeholders of the Solid Minerals Sector in embracing these ideas and proposing many pathways to achieve this roadmap” Dr Alake stated.

“This has led to several collaborations and initiatives across the landscape. The visionary leadership and dedication to diversifying Nigeria’s economy through mining aligns perfectly with our shared goals, and I am confident that the culmination of this event will continue to lead us toward a prosperous future” he added

“If we manage these resources judiciously and responsibly, they can serve as the engine of our economic growth, offering employment opportunities and enhancing the well-being of our citizens”.

“Nigeria is endowed with valuable solid minerals like Limestone, Gold, Barite, Bitumen, Lead-Zinc, Coal, and Iron Ore, to mention but a few. This natural wealth indicates a significant reservoir poised for exploration and development and these resources can potentially reduce our dependence on oil revenue, diversify our economic base, serve as the bedrock of sustainable development across various sectors, and provide significant job creation opportunities’ Dr. Alake noted.

“Our vision for the Mining Sector transcends mere resource extraction.We are firmly committed to conducting mining activities that are environmentally sustainable, socially responsible, and economically beneficial. We believe mining operations should serve as catalysts for community development and job creation and adhere to Industry Best Practices that minimize ecological footprints” the solid mineral minister emphasized.

On his part, the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu stated that Nigeria is blessed with great minerals that would be a driven force to president Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Audu added that the agenda would only be achieved through collectivity and creating a conducive environment for investors.

Also in his remarks, the Nasarawa state Governor, Abdullahi Sule noted that no State Government has the right to stop mining of solid minerals.

Earlier in his address of welcome, the President, Miners Association of Nigeria, Mr. Dele Ayanleke stated that the mining sector is recently generating greater developmental interest though with challenges.

Mr. Ayanleke added that Nigeria is richly endowed with minerals capable of transforming the country.

The event attracted  dignitaries from all walks of life, including the minister of Trade and Investment Doris Anite, Minister of State for Water Resources, Ebonyi State Governor, Captains of industries, Director  Generals in the sector, stakeholders in solid minerals development and about one thousand local and international participants .

Highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Nigerian  Mineralization Maps designed by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency.

Edited By Grace Namiji