President Bola Tinubu has stated that technological innovation is essential for Nigeria to able to stand in the global market.
The president made this known at the opening ceremony of the 9th edition of the mining week in Abuja.
Tinubu who was represented by the minister of Innovation science and technology, Chief Uche Nnaji said his administration is modernizing the Nigerian minerals and mining arts to meet the dynamic global economy.
He further added that the administration is using the executive reform to bring transparency and international competitiveness to the mining law, which is making Nigeria attractive for foreign investors.
The president said the reforms will pave ways for environmental sustainable and socioeconomic welfare for communities ensuring that the wealth of Nigeria resources benefits every citizen
“We are reshaping a mining sector that can stand as a global model of innovation, resilience and sustainable development. We are constructing an ecosystem that will enhance connectivity, facelite efficient minerals transport and prepare our resources for global market” he emphasized.
In his presentation, the Chairman Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Sen Ekong Sampson who said both chambers is working closely in exploring the sector stressed that no one can drive the reforms in the Solid Minerals alone
On his part, the Chairman House Committee on Solid Minerals, Jonathan Gbefwi-Gaza said Nigeria is too blessed to be facing the present economic challenges.
He added that with the collaborative effort of the ministries of budgetary and defence, Nigeria mining sector will explore because it require much for meaningful development.
“The house of assembly and senate have continually made a have loud call to the federal government to prioritise the sector to unlock the rich resources which Nigerians can benefit from”
“I still want to appeal to the federal government to give priority as regards to financing the solid minerals face in the 2025 appropriation”
In his remarks, the Minister of Solid Minerals development, Dr. Oladele Alake stressed that with executive back up of the national assembly, ministry of budget and national planing, the mining sector under this renewed hope agenda is going to take Nigeria out of the present economic situation.
Dr Alake appealed to Nigerians join hands with the Mr president to make Nigeria a better place adding that he has done it before in Lagos State.
He added that currently over 300 illegal miners have been arrested and facing persecution including foreign nationals
Earlier, the President Miners Association of Nigeria, Mr. Dele Ayanleke has called for the rebuild of the mining industry.
Ayanleke added that it is essential to examine the factors affecting the set rules of the sector and taking steps to confront those challenges and set the sector ground of mandate fulfilment.
