The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, stressed Nigeria’s need to move beyond extraction in mining to leverage the nation’s resources fully. Emphasizing local value addition and processing, he highlighted government initiatives such as lithium processing plants and the drive to secure minerals against illegal mining. The Annual Nigeria Mining Week serves as a platform to foster partnerships and innovation within the sector.
In a recent statement, Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, emphasized the need for Nigeria’s mining sector to evolve beyond mere extraction. During the launch of the ninth Annual Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja, he acknowledged the nation’s wealth in minerals but asserted that it is imperative to focus on local value addition and processing. Alake stated that this approach will harness Nigeria’s mineral resources to foster economic growth, create jobs, and support local industries. He highlighted the inauguration of lithium processing plants in Nasarawa State and upcoming facilities near the Federal Capital Territory as part of the government’s commitment to enhance local processing capabilities. Alake also underlined the administration’s goal to keep mineral resources within the country rather than allowing them to be exported in raw form. He noted, “We are focused on establishing systems and structures that allow Nigerians to benefit directly from our resources.” The Minister further outlined how President Bola Tinubu’s administration aims to transform Nigeria into a key player in the global mineral value chain while ensuring the security of these resources against illegal mining. The ongoing mining week serves as a platform for international collaboration and innovation in the sector, incorporating discussions around policy developments and future opportunities. Dele Ayanleke, President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, expressed that the event is critical for assessing industry progress and promoting new technologies. Meanwhile, Habeeb Jaiyeola from PwC emphasized the importance of showcasing Nigeria’s mining achievements to both local and international stakeholders, particularly in light of the shift towards cleaner energy sources. This annual event aims to foster robust partnerships and push for a sustainable and prosperous mining sector that underpins Nigeria’s economic future.
The article centers on the remarks made by Dr. Dele Alake regarding the future direction of Nigeria’s mining industry. Amidst changing global dynamics, particularly toward cleaner energy and sustainability, Alake calls for a shift from extractive practices towards local processing and value addition. This reflects a broader strategy to bolster the Nigerian economy by ensuring that wealth generated from mineral resources benefits the local population and drives industrial growth.
In conclusion, Dr. Dele Alake’s address at the Annual Nigeria Mining Week underscores the necessity for the country to transition from basic extraction to a model that emphasizes local processing, which will secure economic benefits for Nigerians. The government’s commitment to developing a robust mining sector that supports sustainable growth and job creation is crucial for Nigeria to establish itself as a significant player in the global mineral market. This strategy aligns with broader goals to foster innovation and address challenges in the mining industry.
Original Source: nannews.ng
