Solid minerals sector will boost Nigeria’s economic profile – Perm Sec

Dr Mary Ogbe, the Permanent Secretary overseeing the Ministries of Solid Minerals Development and Steel Development, says the solid minerals sector is boosting Nigeria’s economic profile.

Ogbe gave this indication during the 5th edition of the National Council on Mining and Mineral Resources Development (NCMMRD) meeting in Ilorin, Kwara.

A press release issued by Mr Alaba Balogun, the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations of the Ministry of Solid Mineral Development, quoted Ogbe as saying the action would prepare Nigeria for the smooth navigation from the use of fossil fuel, and adopting measures aimed at mitigating climate change.

“The nation is depending on the solid mineral and metals sector for its economic prosperity for two reasons.

“Fossil fuel is gradually being phased out with the advent of electric cars, we may not get buyers for our fuel.

“Secondly, the world is going green and we must not be left behind, and for us (Nigeria), we are highly blessed with the energy minerals as well,” she said.

She described the theme of the meeting “Minerals and Metals sector: a panacea for economic growth and Diversity” as apt in realising Nigeria’s target for economic diversification, particularly in developing its non oil sector.

According to the permanent secretary, the meeting would be instrumental toward realising the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu for the sector.

She added that it would also provide a platform for stakeholders in the sector to interface and deliberate on key issues affecting the sector, aimed at charting its advancement.

“It is an invaluable platform to chart a way forward for a sustainable development of the minerals and metal sector,” she said.

The Permanent Secretary also described the meeting as an important milestone on collective efforts to ensure sustainable development in that sector.

She said topics to be discussed during the three-day meeting, from Jan. 15 to 17, would include: policy reforms, investment opportunities, community engagement, environmental sustainability, and fostering innovation in the sector.