By SUNDAY ABBA, Abuja
The federal government has extended the ultimatum issued to those mining illegally in the country to join cooperatives by another 30 Days.
Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake made this known while fielding questions from journalists at the end of a pre-event press briefing on the 8th edition of the Nigeria Mining Week scheduled to to hold from 16 to 17th October, 2023 at the headquarters of the ministry in Abuja on Monday.
Affirming that after the initial 30-day ultimatum, a lot of them had been coming and making effort to formalise their operations, the Minister stressed that the ultimatum given was not a punitive measure, but actually a deliberate design “to help the so-called illegal miners by pushing to join the existing artisanal cooperatives such that their activities become legalised and free from harassments”.
Speaking further, he said, “So, if they become formalised, it will be easier even to educate and push them into proper mining operations that will be beneficial, not only to them, but the host communities, and to the environment.
“Now, because of the pragmatism involved in the field, we’ve also decided to extend that ultimatum by another 30 days, after which there will be no reprieve for anybody circumventing this regulation.”
Briefing the press earlier, Alake described the Nigeria Mining Week 2023 as a significant milestone in the ministry’s continuous efforts to showcase the potentials of the country’s
mining sector, adding that the theme for this year: “Unlocking Nigeria’s Mining
Potentials” encapsulates the unwavering commitment to harness the
abundant mineral resources spread across the land.
He outlined the key objectives of the Nigeria Mining Week 2023 to include knowledge sharing; investment promotion; highlighting the investment
opportunities inherent in Nigeria’s Mining Landscape such as the
stable and favorable investment climate created through the
Presidential Business Enabling Environment Initiative as well as
very attractive incentives provided by the federal government; sustainable practices; skills Development; and infrastructure development.
Enjoining all well meaning industry stakeholders to leverage incentives provided by government, the Minister said, “This Event heralds the
overarching policy consistency of Government and provision of requisite
infrastructure to grow the mining sector to significantly contribute to the
nation’s GDP.
“It avails an ample opportunity for collective action and collaboration between the public and private sectors, civil society, and international partners.
“Together, we shall work towards unlocking Nigeria’s mining potential,
creating a brighter future for our nation and its people.
Delivering her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Mary Ogbe, said hosting the event affirms the commitment to harnessing the abundant mineral resources effectively and responsibly.
She gave an insight into the event saying, “Throughout this event will witness thought provoking discussions and dialogue led by policymakers, innovators, academics and community leaders.
“This conversation will span a wide spectrum of topics including regulatory frameworks, technological innovations, social responsibility and environmental conservation.
“It is through this inclusive and collaborative efforts that we can check the cost across a responsible mining industry.
In his remark earlier, the chairman, Nigerian Mining Association (MAN), Dele Ayanleke, drew the attention of all stakeholders to the rich opportunities that are available at this year’s Nigerian Mining Week that makes so imperative and compelling for all to come and be part of it.
“As to why this year’s event is compelling for all stakeholders in our national mining eco-system to be part of, first and foremost, as a nation witnessing increasing interest in the development of the solid minerals sector such as we’re experiencing at the moment. And among many other compelling factors is also the fact that Nigeria has suddenly become a beautiful bride of the world with the discovery in abundance of critical minerals needed for global energy transition, in addition to the dwindling fortunes of oil as a source of energy and revenue earner,” he said.
He thanked the ministry for the support the mining week has enjoyed over the years, even as he urged all stakeholders to close ranks in moving the sector forward.
The Nigerian Mining Week is a yearly even co-hosted by the VUKA Group, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), and the Miners Association of Nigeria in conjunction with the ministry of Solid Minerals.
According to the organisers, This year’s Nigerian Mining Week which the 8th in the series is expected to have in attendance over 2,000 professionals, experts, exhibitors, among other critical stakeholders from Nigeria, the Western Sub-Region, other parts of the continent, and major mining destinations around the world such as India, UAE, China, and South Africa.
