Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, on Thursday, announced plans to hold a crucial retreat to address grey areas in relations between the Federal Government and states on managing challenges of the mining industry.
Alake who disclosed this on his official X handle said he made the announcement during his meeting with the Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umar Rada.
The Minister at the meeting emphasized that the federal government places a premium on Katsina in its plans for the development of the mining sector because of its large deposits of viable minerals.
“Additionally, I mentioned that the Mining Marshals will curb the activities of illegal miners in the state and emphasized the importance of revised guidelines for Community Development Agreements.
“I also highlighted the role of Governors in nominating members of their state’s Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee, MIREMCO, to regulate the activities of mining operators in collaboration with the FG,” the Minister tweeted.
Meanwhile, the federal government has launched the Women In Mining In Nigeria WIMIN strategy, the gender strategy for the mining and steel sector, to foster diversity, women empowerment, and sustainability.
Speaking, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake asserted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration prioritized gender equity and female participation in its ” Roadmap for the Growth and Development of the Nigerian Mining Industry”.
He said, “In this groundbreaking initiative, we aim to prioritize gender equity and female participation, aligning with our administration’s roadmap for the growth and development of the Nigerian mining industry.
“Recognizing women’s invaluable contributions to the sector, we are dedicated to fostering diversity and empowering women to ensure the success and growth of the industry. Through our roadmap initiative, we are committed to increasing women’s leadership roles within the mining sector and communities, rooted in principles of equality, diversity, and empowerment.
”We believe that promoting gender equality is both a moral and strategic decision that will drive innovation, enhance productivity and contribute to the sustainable development of our nation. We encourage our stakeholders to also entrench gender equality in their organizations.”
Also Speaking, the Permanent Secretary Ministries of Solid Minerals Development and Steel Development, Dr Mary Ogbe, admonished industry players to remain steadfast in their resolve to implement the gender strategy’ effectively, ensuring a mining sector that is equitable and inclusive.