The minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake has expressed the Ministry’s readiness to strengthen collaboration between mining and construction stakeholders to ensure a sustainable supply chain that prioritizes local content and value addition.
Dr. Alake made this known at the opening of the 60th annual international conference of the Nigeria Mining and Geosciences Society, NMGS, in Abuja.
The minister, who was represented by the permanent secretary, Dr. Mary Ogbe said the construction industry is a major consumer of solid minerals, relying on materials such as limestone, granite, and gypsum.
The minister explained that harnessing innovative technologies in material science and industrial processing would improve the quality and durability of construction materials, enhance infrastructural development, and contribute significantly to economic growth.
“As we deliberate during this conference, let us be guided by the need to integrate innovation into every aspect of our work,” he noted.
“I urge NMGS members and stakeholders to continue advancing research, fostering industry collaborations, and championing policies that will drive the transformation of our mineral, energy, water, and construction sectors,” Dr Alake emphasized.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Solid Mineral Development, I reaffirm our commitment to working with the NMGS and all industry players to realize the full potential of our natural resources for national development.”
“Once again, I express my profound gratitude to the Nigeria Mining and Geosciences Society for this honour. Together, through innovation and collaboration, we will build a resilient and prosperous future for Nigeria’s mining and geosciences sector, ” the Minister added.
Earlier in his welcome address, President of the Nigeria Mining and Geosciences Society, NMGS, Professor Akinade Olatunji called for innovation in solving the myriads of challenges in the various sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Professor Olatunji stressed the need for resource management and value addition in the Minerals and Mining sector that will attract economic development.
Also speaking, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, said lack of action was affecting Nigeria’s development speed.
Gov Sule said Nigeria has stayed too long on policy making, adding that it is time to transfer those laws to technology for the industrialisation of the nation.
There were various goodwill messages from stakeholders, development partners, and government agencies, among others.
Over two thousand Geoscientists, geologists, and engineers from across the country attended the event.
Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji
