News
Alake Backs Regional Effort to Unlock South-South’s Untapped Mineral Resources
Joel Ajayi
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, has pledged the Ministry’s full support to the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to harness the region’s solid mineral resources for investment, job creation and sustainable development.
In statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, by the Special Assistant on Media to the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development Lara Owoeye-Wise stated that Alake made the commitment when the Director-General of the SSDC, Ms. Usoro Offiong Akpabio, led a delegation of the Commission on a courtesy visit to the Ministry.
The Minister said the engagement was particularly significant given the Federal Government’s broader agenda of using the geopolitical development commissions established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to accelerate development and unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
He noted that the South-South, known for oil and gas reserves, was strategically positioned in the nation’s diversification drive, because it possesses significant deposits of solid minerals.
Alake said the Ministry’s reforms were repositioning the sector to be a major driver of industrialisation through local value addition, responsible mining, investment promotion and stronger regulation.
He highlighted the progress recorded since the commencement of the reforms, including a sharp increase in revenue accruing to the Federal Government from the sector and more than $2.6 billion in Foreign Direct investment, (FDI) alongside the emergence of mineral processing facilities that have gainfully employed Nigerians across the country.
The Minister also encouraged the South-South states to take advantage of the Federal Government’s framework for direct state participation in mining through State-owned Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and properly obtained mining titles.
According to him, “ several states have already secured mining licence approvals through this framework”.
He, however, cautioned against unilateral state policies on mining, noting that regulatory consistency is essential to giving investors confidence and avoid multiple or conflicting authorities in the sector.
“We have a commonality of objective, we just need to harmonise our strategies and tactics to achieve it,” the Minister said, assuring the Commission of the Ministry’s cooperation.
Earlier, Ms. Akpabio said the SSDC was seeking a practical partnership with the Ministry around sustainable mining, environmental innovation, investment and job creation. She said the Commission would align its activities with the Ministry’s policies and work with state authorities and security agencies, particularly in the training and formalisation of artisanal miners.
The Minister and the SSDC leadership also agreed on the importance of regional stakeholder and investment engagements to showcase specific mineral opportunities and connect investors with projects across the South-South.
Replying, Alake said the Ministry would involve the SSDC in such engagements, describing the Commission as a potential driver of deeper investment and development in the region.
This engagement is part of a growing collaboration between the Ministry and the geopolitical development bodies established by the Tinubu administration.
Similar engagements have recently seen regional development stakeholders, including the Northwest Development Coalition, seek partnerships with the Ministry to leverage Nigeria’s mineral wealth for regional economic development.
The collaboration underscores the Federal Government’s emerging strategy of linking Nigeria’s mineral resources with the new regional development architecture to drive investment, industrialisation, employment and sustainable development across the geopolitical zones.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
