President Bola Tinubu has expressed his government’s commitment to developing the mining sector by creating an enabling environment for players in the industry to thrive.

Mr Tinubu said this at the opening of the eighth edition of ‘Nigeria Mining Week’ in Abuja.

Represented by the secretary to the government of the federation, George Akume, Mr Tinubu expressed worry that the mining sector was neglected for a long time.

According to Mr Tunubu, the theme underscores the federal government’s commitment to sustainable development and collaboration within the mining industry.

He said the devolution of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development demonstrated the government’s resolve to improve its contributions to the development of Nigeria’s economy.

“Government shall continue to ensure a good business environment for investors in the sector by ensuring policy consistency and adequate security,” said the president. “Nigeria is known for its oil and gas, which is a fraction of its blessed natural resources, and there is a need for Nigeria and Africa at large to diversify and develop other sectors to harness their potential.”

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, pledged that the ministry would develop the mining sector as a significant source of economic diversification.

“We charted a new direction with the articulation of the Seven-Point Transformation Agenda focusing on the establishment of the national mining company and development of big, standardised and internationally certified data,” Mr Alake explained. “Others are formalisation of artisanal mining through co-operatives and security of mines in collaboration with the security agencies.”

The minister added, “Also the conscientisation of mining communities to ensure their lawful rights and commit licences to community empowerment and the strategic promotions of our country’s vast mineral deposits for indigenous and international investments.’’

Mr Alake said Nigeria is endowed with limestone, gold, baryte, bitumen, lead zinc, coal, iron ore, etc., pointing out that “this natural wealth indicates a significant reservoir poised for exploration and development.”

He said, “These resources can potentially reduce our dependence on oil revenues, diversify our economic base, serve as the bedrock of sustainable development across various sectors and provide significant job creation opportunities.’’

(NAN)