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FG Proposes Mining Center Of Excellence, Inaugurate Committee Members
Joel Ajayi
In continuation of its efforts to reposition and ensure the mining sector contribute maximally to the growth of the nation’s economy, the Federal Government will establish the Nigerian Mining Centre of Excellence ( CoE) as a one stop -shop that will meet the needs of investors in the solid Minerals sector.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development/Steel Development, Dr Mrs Mary Ogbe disclosed this today during the inauguration of members of the Committee for the Establishment of the Nigerian Mining Centre of Excellence (CoE), at the Ministry’s Headquarters Office in Abuja.
Speaking on the importance of establishing the Center of Excellence, Dr Ogbe explained that it is Pivotal in numerous ways to the actualisation of the Ministry’s conttibution to the growth of the Nigerian economy; as it will foster collaborations among the key departments of the Ministry.
Elaborating further on the objectives for creating the Mining Centre of Excellence; the Permanent Secretary said: ” The Centre is established to provide a one-stop that will meet the needs of investors in the solid mineral sector of the economy, facilitate the efficient use of the Decision Support System ( DSS) and promote knowledge – sharing best practices and capacity building within the mining sector”.
Continuing, Dr Ogbe expressed optimism on the actualization of the mandate of the CoE to act as a focal point for international partnerships and collaboration in the field of mining investment amongst other laudable objectives.
To this end, she stated that the Honorable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake has assured that he is willing and ready to support the activities of the CoE with everything it needs to actualize its mandate.
The Nigerian Mining Centre of Excellence CoE , according to Dr Ogbe, will foster collaborations among the key departments of the Ministry which include Nigerian Geological Survey Agency NGSA, Mining Cadastre Office MCO, Mines Inspectorate, Office of the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Ministry of Steel Development and Office of the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development.
Membership of the Committee includes nominated members of the various Departments and Agencies of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development; and will be chaired by the Director of Investment Promotion and Minerals Trade Department of the Ministry.
News
Ogunlesi backs Tinubu reforms as FIRS chairman Adedeji highlights export-led economy
Joel Ajayi
After a high-level meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, Nigerian-born global investor Adebayo Ogunlesi expressed renewed confidence in the country’s economic reforms, indicating potential mega investments across energy, aviation, and port sectors.
He was joined in that optimism by Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), who stressed that the reforms were laying the groundwork for an export-driven economy.
Speaking to journalists after the closed-door meeting, Ogunlesi praised the sweeping policy changes under Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of subsidies, tax reforms, and the revival of a refinery already exporting aviation fuel.
“We had an excellent meeting where we discussed how to put Nigeria front and center for international investment. The President was very encouraging, and we shared useful suggestions on driving economic growth,” Ogunlesi said.
Although he declined to reveal specific details, Ogunlesi confirmed that his firm is actively investing in Nigeria and assessing new opportunities.
“Watch this space. Nigeria is not yet the most exciting investment destination, but that’s what we are working on,” he teased.
Pressed on the sectors of interest, Ogunlesi highlighted energy, gas, aviation, ports, and renewables. Drawing on his firm’s experience with LNG projects in Texas and Australia, he noted Nigeria’s massive untapped gas reserves.
On aviation, he acknowledged his reputation as “the guy who bought Gatwick Airport” and signaled interest in similar ventures locally.
He also admitted that one of his companies operates ports in Cotonou and Lomé but none in Nigeria, a point Tinubu reportedly challenged him on.
“He forgave me but said, ‘you have to bring port investment to Nigeria,’” Ogunlesi recounted with a smile.
International investor Hakeem Bello-Osagie, who was also present, underscored the importance of diaspora participation in Nigeria’s growth story.
“When Nigerians at home and abroad invest in Nigeria, it sends a strong signal to the world,” he said, lauding Tinubu’s policies for making the country “investable.”
Echoing the sentiment, FIRS chairman Adedeji described the reforms as the foundation for an export-led economy.
“We’ve done the fundamentals, and now it is time to deliver growth,” he said.
With global players signaling confidence, the momentum for Nigeria’s economic repositioning is gaining ground, setting the stage for transformative investments in key industries.
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