Tinubu Reads Riot Act to Solid Minerals Firms, Vows to Sanitize Sector 

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has warned private companies and public servants cutting corners in the solid minerals sector to stop or face the wrath of the law.

Addressing participants at the 2nd edition of the Africa Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) in Abuja Wednesday, the president disclosed that while the government welcomes genuine investors, who share the administration’s vision, it would punish economic saboteurs hindering ease of doing business and efforts to enable the sector support the transformation of the economy.

Speaking on the theme of the conference, ‘Towards a Just Transition’, President Tinibu emphasised the essence of mobilising the country’s natural resources for the development of the people.

Represented by the Secretary to the Goverment of the Federation (SGF), Dr. George Akume, the president revealed that 

Dr. Oladele Alake was appointed Minister of Solid Minerals to sanitise the sector, adding that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) adopted his seven-point agenda to turn the industry around.

The president, who also encouraged the governors to forge a common front with the Federal Government to increase the contribution of mining to the economy, advised them to resist the temptation to interfere in legitimate businesses of licensed operators.

Welcoming the president, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Alake, thanked the president for the robust support of the ministry, assuring him that the ministry shall execute its mandate efficiently.

He emphasised the relevance of the event to the administration’s resolve to diversify the nation’s energy sources, promote renewable energy and implement energy efficiency measures. 

“At the heart of this summit, we find the idea of a ‘Just Transition’. This concept calls for us to ensure that as we shift towards more sustainable practices in natural resource development and energy production, no one is left behind. The ‘just transition’ is about recognizing the needs of our workforce, communities and economies that have long depended on traditional energy sources to establish and consolidate the forces of fostering inclusivity, providing alternatives, and equitably distributing the benefits of this transformation.

“The ‘just transition’ demands that we address the social and economic challenges that may arise from shifting away from traditional energy sources. We must invest in workforce re-training, creating alternative employment opportunities and supporting impacted communities. Africa must adopt policies that provide a safety net for those who might be negatively affected by this transition,” Alake stated. 

Noting the development of a policy framework for effective and efficient management of identified transition minerals, the minister stressed that the Federal Government recognises the global shift towards sustainable, environmentally friendly technologies hence its resolve for responsible management of critical minerals towards cleaner energy systems, reduction of carbon emissions and global fight against climate change.

Dignitaries at the opening of the 2nd edition of AFNIS included representative of the president, SGF Akume; chief host, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Alake; Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaib Audu; Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal; Permanent Secretary, Ministries of Solid Minerals Development & Steel Development , Dr. Mary Ogbe; Chairman of Mosra Energy, Olukayode Ramos and a host of others.