From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has stated that technological innovation is essential for Nigeria to be 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 yesterday.
Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, said his administration was modernising the Nigerian minerals and mining arts to meet the dynamic global economy.
He further added that the administration was using the executive reforms to bring transparency and international competitiveness to the mining law, which is making Nigeria attractive for foreign investors.
The president said the reforms would pave ways for environmental sustainability 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, facilitate efficient minerals transport and prepare our resources for the global market,” he emphasised.
In his presentation, the Chairman Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Sen Ekong Sampson, who said both chambers were working closely in exploring the sector, stressed that no one could drive the reforms in the solid minerals alone.
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 would explore because it requires much for meaningful development.
“The house of representatives and senate have continually called on 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 to financing the solid minerals 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 and the ministry of budget and national planning, the mining sector under this renewed hope agenda is going to take Nigeria out of the present economic situation.
Dr Alake appealed to Nigerians to join hands with 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 rebuilding of the mining industry.
Ayanleke added that it was essential to examine the factors affecting the set rules of the sector and take steps to confront those challenges.