Folalumi Alaran in Abuja
The Minister for Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has called for legislative support to promote local value addition in the mineral sector, highlighting its potential to create significant employment opportunities and benefits for mineral-rich communities.
Alake made these remarks during a visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals led by its Chairman, Jonathan Gbefwi, to the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
Updating the committee on recent ministry initiatives, the minister emphasised the importance of value addition and mineral processing in Nigeria’s mineral agenda, stressing their role in job creation and resource optimisation.
He mentioned his advocacy for local value addition during recent international mining conferences held in Riyadh and Cape Town.
Alake, who was recently elected as the inaugural chairman of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), declared an end to the era of exporting solid minerals without adding commensurate value.
Highlighting the paramount importance of security in economic development, the minister referenced recent efforts to secure natural resources and combat illegal mining, including the launch of a new security outfit by the Interior Minister.
Acknowledging the committee’s visit, Alake expressed appreciation for their ongoing collaboration, emphasising their shared goals and achievements.
In his response, the committee Chairman, Jonathan Gbefwi, affirmed the committee’s commitment to oversight duties and supporting the ministry in advancing the mineral sector, noting its pivotal role in the Nigeria’s economic recovery.
‘’We are empowered by the constitution to do oversight, and to ensure the executive perform its duty. We intend to stretch to the limit. It is the only sector that can rescue Nigeria from its economic doldrums,’’ he added.
In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mary Ogbe, reiterated the shared commitment between the House Committee and the ministry to harnessing the country’s mineral resources for economic development and diversification.
