By SUNDAY ABBA, Abuja
The Permanent Secretary, Nigeria’s Ministry of Solid Minerals, Dr Mary Ogbe, has urged the various departments and agencies under the ministry to reexamine the Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification (MinDiver) project against its goal of strengthening the mining sector for economic diversification, and contribute towards its sustenance.
She gave the charge while speaking at an event to mark the official handover of the of the World Bank assisted project to the ministry in Abuja.
The PS affirmed that the MinDiver project was a comprehensive strategy aimed at unlocking and maximising Nigeria’s abundant mineral resources potentials for the benefit of the sector and the national economy in general.
She called on stakeholders to take ownership of the project by aligning their departmental goals with MinDiver’s activities, ensuring that the momentum created by the project is maintained even beyond its formal completion.
The Permanent Secretary stressed that, with the budget planning process still ongoing, it is crucial for each department to meticulously study the project’s activities and make informed decisions that will foster sustainability.
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Dr Ogbe also urged the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to meet high standards for testing to ensure accurate and reliable data for decision-making in areas such as mineral exploration, environmental assessments, and infrastructure development.
This will bring about adherence to international standards and help build credibility, attracting both local and foreign investment in Nigeria’s mining and geological sectors.
She also directed the director general, NGSA, Prof. Olusegun Ige, to design a job completion form for supply of items to, among other things ensure proper documentation and accountability, provide a clear record that the items supplied meet the required specifications, were in good condition, and resolve disputes, so as to contribute to efficient project management and transparency within the government.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Steel Development, Dr Christopher Isokpunwu, in his own contribution emphasised the need for stakeholders to focus on addressing external challenges that may impact the industry.
He urged industry leaders, policymakers, and relevant agencies to collaborate in tackling problems that may not have originated within the sector, but still affect its progress.
Speaking, the former Project Coordinator (MINDIVER), Engr Sallim Salam, explained that the essence of the project was to strengthen the institutions that oversee the mining sector and to develop the downstream segment of the industry to manage the mining sector efficiently, while simultaneously creating a vibrant downstream sector that adds value to Nigeria’s mineral resources, ultimately contributing to economic diversification.
He appreciated the support given to MinDiver which according to him, enabled it accomplish 75 percent of its project, adding that since inception, MinDiver operations has focused on, geological data acquisition, environmental and social safeguards among others things.
Dr. Salim also revealed that the MinDiver project has compiled a list of trained officers who are equipped to oversee specific projects.
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The highlight of the event was the handover of MINDIVER to the Ministries of Solid Minerals and Steel .
The ceremony was attended by directors, heads of ministries’ departments, agencies, stakeholders, and representatives from the World Bank, underscoring the project’s importance in Nigeria’s broader economic development agenda, a statement signed by Chinwe Ekwugha for the director, Press and Public Relations of the ministry, said.