To improve the ease of doing business in the mining sector, the federal government, through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, has launched the Nigeria Mineral Resources Decision Support System (NMDSS).
This initiative coincides with Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake’s appeal to the Senate for increased funding to enhance the ministry’s capacity for detailed exploration of the nation’s extensive mineral resources.
At the NMDSS launch, Alake emphasized that the portal demonstrates the government’s commitment to providing prospective investors with crucial information about Nigeria’s mineral deposits, mining sector policies, and investment incentives from anywhere in the world. He noted that previously, foreign investors had to travel to Nigeria to access necessary information, but now, this can be done online, facilitating informed investment decisions.
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Alake further explained that the support system is designed to help stakeholders and potential investors gather essential information, bringing them closer to the industry and addressing key questions about mineral deposits and mining infrastructure.
He also highlighted efforts to regulate the mining sector, such as the introduction of mining marshals to combat illegal mining and the formation of 152 cooperatives by artisanal miners to legalize their operations.
Minister of Interior, Hon. Tunji Olubunmi-Ojo, praised Alake’s leadership in transforming the mining sector, describing the NMDSS launch as a pivotal move to attract more foreign investment.
He drew parallels with Saudi Arabia’s success in diversifying its economy through its non-oil industry and expressed confidence in Nigeria’s potential to do the same under Alake’s guidance.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mary Ogbe, encouraged stakeholders to promote Nigeria’s solid minerals potential, noting that ongoing reforms are repositioning the mining sector. The NMDSS serves as a comprehensive platform offering credible information about Nigeria’s mineral resources and infrastructure.
Alake reiterated his request for increased Senate support during the opening session of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals’ investigative hearing. He highlighted poor funding for exploration and insecurity as major challenges limiting the mining sector’s development and its role in diversifying the economy. Citing a Standard & Poor’s report, he revealed Nigeria’s exploration budget was significantly lower than those of other African countries.
To combat illegal mining, Alake detailed the deployment of a 2,220-strong Mining Marshals force and advocacy efforts through Artisanal and Small Miners (ASM) extension officers. He also mentioned a campaign across 113 radio stations to discourage illegal mining and encourage artisanal miners to form cooperatives.
Alake also discussed the government’s new value addition policy, which includes establishing six more processing centers across the geo-political zones. He stressed that legislative support and improved funding are crucial for these initiatives.
Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, commended Alake for his dedication and emphasized the need for collaboration between the executive and legislature to curb illegal mining and support the solid minerals sector.
Senator Ekong Sampson, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges hindering the sector’s growth to ensure that Nigeria’s mineral wealth benefits all Nigerians.
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