FG to deepen collaboration in solid mineral development
As the globe shifts from fossil fuels to cleaner energy, the US government seeks to expand partnership with states in the development of the solid minerals and metals sector.
This was declared by Dr. Mary Ogbe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministries of Solid Minerals Development and Steel Development, at the 5th National Council on Mining and Mineral Resources Development in Ilorin, Kwara State.
She stated that there was a need to develop partnerships as the global energy shift on essential minerals, which the country had in abundance
Dr. Mary Ogbe said the theme of the Council’s meeting, “Minerals and Metal Sector: A Panacea for Economic Growth and Development, was apt as the world was shifting from fossil fuels to cleaner energy.
Dr. Ogbe that the plan by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to focus on the solid mineral and metal sector for economic prosperity was a welcome development, adding that with stakeholder collaboration, the challenges in the sector would be overcome.
She therefore urged stakeholders to recognise the economic potential of the solid mineral and metal sectors, especially with the rising prominence of electric cars worldwide.
“Fossil fuel is gradually being phased out with the advent of electric cars. In China today 30% of their vehicles are electrically powered and so in a matter of a few years from now, we may not get buyers for our fuel. So to you and I who have the mandate at this point to make the Solid mineral sector generate prosperity for our people’‘ Dr. Mary Ogbe stated.
The Commissioner for Kwara State Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and Supervising Commissioner, Ministry of Works and Housing, Abdulquawiy Olododo, who represented the Governor, said Kwara State was blessed with a lot of mineral resources that could attract more investment to the sector.
“As part of the state government’s efforts, we are collaborating with security agencies and federal authorities to significantly reduce illegal mining activities”. he added
On illegal mining activities in the state, Olododo said the state was working with security agencies to sanitize the sector.
The keynote speaker, an Associate Professor at Kwara State University, Ilorin Jimoh Ajadi, who spoke on the topic entitled “Mineral and Metal Sector: A panacea for Economic Growth and Diversification,” maintained that for the government to optimise its potential in the sector, it must be sincere and transparent in carrying out the required reforms in the sector.
He called on governments to support researchers through funding their research and development activities in the solid mineral sector.
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