By Maymunah Zubair
In a show of unity and commitment to the growth of Nigeria’s mining sector, State Chairmen of the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) have paid a courtesy call to the newly appointed Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake. The meeting took place at the ministry’s headquarters in the federal capital, Abuja.
During the visit, the MIREMCO chairmen expressed their unalloyed support and dedication to the minister’s vision for the sector. They lauded the minister’s appointment as a significant step towards enhancing the mining industry in Nigeria.
The meeting was well attended by Chairmen of State MIREMCO chapters across the federation, including Kogi State Chairman, Hajiya Hassiat Suleiman who facilitated the courtesy call. At the meeting, the chairmen highlighted the challenges faced by committees as a collective. The primary concern raised was the inadequacy of funding for their various duties and emphasized that adequate funding is crucial for the effective discharge of their duties.
In a united voice, the chairmen urged the minister to consider their plea for financial support and resources to enable them to effectively carry out their duties. They also brought up other issues, such as the need for regulatory simplification, improved infrastructure, and the streamlining of the licensing process.
In response to the MIREMCO chairmen’s concerns, Dr. Dele Alake expressed his appreciation for their visit and acknowledged the critical role played by the committee in the development of the mining sector. He assured them of his commitment to addressing the challenges and issues raised during the meeting.
The minister pledged to work closely with the chairmen to find sustainable solutions, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships, exploring innovative funding mechanisms, and reviewing the regulatory framework to create a more conducive environment for mining and mineral resource development in Nigeria.
Dr. Alake concluded the meeting by stating that the ministry’s doors are always open to the MIREMCO chairmen, and that their feedback and collaboration are vital in achieving the government’s goal of making Nigeria a prominent player in the global mining and steel industry.
This visit by the MIREMCO chairmen and the minister’s positive response signal a promising future for Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, with the hope of overcoming current challenges and achieving significant progress in the industry.
