Alake: Solid Minerals Will Promote Climate Change

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, has emphasised the federal government’s commitment to shift from reliance on hydrocarbons to boost the minerals sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) as part of their efforts to combat climate change.

Alake made these remarks during a meeting with a delegation from the Miners Association of Nigeria that was led by their National President, Mr. Dele Ayanleke.

The delegation included representatives from the VUKA group, co-organisers of the upcoming Nigeria Mining Week, and PriceWaterhouseCoopers, a prominent accounting firm.

Alake commended the association for its valuable recommendations and consistent role in organising the Mining Week and highlighted that Nigeria’s reliance on a single industry for its revenue is long overdue for a change.

He said: “Our vision is to make solid minerals a source of pride and a significant contributor to Nigeria’s GDP. We will shift away from oil to harness the potential of solid minerals for the betterment of Nigeria, marking our contribution to addressing climate change.”

Furthermore, Alake stressed the ministry’s dedication to formulating policies that would improve the regulatory framework and make it more attractive to local and foreign investors.

He also emphasised the federal government’s intention to engage with local and state governments to address any legal issues surrounding their participation.

In terms of enhancing the mining sector’s environmental sustainability and productivity, the minister revealed plans to deploy advanced technology and establish an inter-agency taskforce to combat various challenges.

He sought partnership with the Miners Association of Nigeria to strengthen and reposition the sector.

In his remarks, the National President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Mr. Dele Ayanleke, expressed confidence in the seven-point agenda that was presented by the minister of Solid Minerals.

Ayanleke believed that these initiatives are part of the renewed hope agenda of the current administration that would solidify and enhance the sector’s contributions to national development.