By Niyi Babade.
The Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake, has hit the ground running with the unveiling of the “Agenda for the Transformation of the Solid Minerals for International competitiveness and domestic Prosperity” The minister said that the ministry will add at least 50% to the Nigerian economy.
He stated this in Abuja on Sunday, December 24th, 2023, Alake also said that the ministry will focus on a seven-point agenda to achieve this aim. These includes; – Establishment of Nigerian Solid Mining Cooperation – Joint Ventures with Mining Multinationals – Big Data on specific seven priority minerals – 30-day grace for illegal miners to join artisanal cooperatives – Mines Surveillance Task Force and Mine Police – Comprehensive review of all mining licenses – Creation of six (6) Mineral Processing Centres to focus on Value-Added products.
“Mining in Nigeria shall no longer be business as usual where illegal miners rip the country off her resources without proper accountability” Alake said.
