Mining : FG Unveils Nig’s Mineral Resource Decision Support System

As part of efforts to ease mining businesses in the country, the Federal Government has unveiled Nigeria’s Mineral Resource Decision Support System, NMDSS, to unlock economic opportunities in the sector.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, at the unveiling in Abuja, said it is an innovative platform designed to empower stakeholders in making informed decisions and drive sustainable development, in the mining industry.

Dr. Oladele Alake, explained that it offers a range of features including interactive mapping, customizable basemaps, a user-friendly interface, and data-driven decision-making.

“This event is crucial to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, because it creates a critical instrument for economic growth and development, two important goals of our administration. In my declaration of the Seven Point Agenda of the Ministry, I emphasised international competitiveness as a key objective of our plan. International investment marketing recognises that many countries are running the race to attract foreign direct investment” Dr. Alake stated.

Dr. Alake, who added that Nigeria has all the metals the world needs to shift to clean energy, stressed that active participation in exploration, extraction, and processing is needed for actualization”.

“What we are here to launch today is a game changer. It is the most investor-friendly magnet that has ever happened in this industry. It seeks to cut the cost of investment research. Hitherto, many prospective investors physically travel to Nigeria to collect data on the geology, hydrology and even urban geography of the mining business” he added.

“Today, we record a giant leap in investment prospecting. From the comfort of your office anywhere in the world, you can click the website of the Nigerian Minerals Resource Decision Support System and right before your eyes are the data that would have cost you air tickets to access six months ago” the Minister stressed.

“The significance of this software to ease of doing business in the Mining sector is obvious. Besides cutting expensive travel and lodging costs, it cuts through the labyrinth of information silos which has been an investors’ nightmare. It answers the question bothering any investor in the mines: Is there labour to employ? Is there a river or stream that I can use its water for processing? Is there a network of roads to haul my excavated materials to the factory?

‘This NMDSS answers these questions with electronic diagrams and maps enabling you to develop scenarios to project your mining investments, plan your budget and hit the ground running” the Minister noted.

“There is no doubt in my mind that, when fully operational, it will demonstrate the seriousness of this administration about investment promotions and accelerate the setting up of businesses in the mining sector” Dr. Alake stressed.

On his part, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who pledged support to Solid Minerals Development, commended the Minister for his relentless efforts in showcasing the sector globally and creating an enabling environment for small-scale investors to thrive.

“I want to pledge my support to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development for his commitment and vision he has by bringing both the big and small players in the sector together, carrying every one and putting a balance structure in place for all.” Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo added.

In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe, who urged Nigerians to stop downgrading themselves, added that the ministry needs all the partnerships to achieve its goals.

“It is time for us to stop ill talking about our country. It is only us that can market ourselves, there is no country without challenges, they have all past through these stages. Nobody will market our country for us” Dr. Ogbe stated.

The Nigeria Mineral Resource Decision Support System, is a comprehensive software platform that serves as a one-stop-shop for investors seeking credible and decisive information about Nigeria’s mineral resources. The platform offers a range of features to help users navigate Nigeria’s diverse geological terrain and identify promising mineral prospects.

There were goodwill messages and various presentations from stakeholders in the sector, the Chairman Centre of Excellence committe, among others.

By Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji