FG COMMISSIONS OVER 2500 MINING MARSHALLS FOR DEPLOYMENT TO MINING SITES ACROSS THE COUNTRY 20-08-24
By Sadiq Aminu Minister of Solid minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake made this known at the Nigeria Gemstones and Jewelry Expo at International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
Dr Alake, represented by the Zonal Mines Officer, South-West, Mr Gbenga Ajayi, described the activities of illegal miners as a bane of nation’s development.
The Minister, however, said the federal government was ready to harness the potentials in the sector for economic development.
In a keynote address, the South-West representative of Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, NEITI, Mr. Taiwo Olasupo explained that the federal government was working round the clock to resuscitate and rejuvenate the solid minerals industry and urged stakeholders in the sector to support government’s efforts for economy diversification from oil and gas to mining.
In a remark, the Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Oyo State Command, Mr. Augustine Padonu represented by his assistant, Mr. Emmanuel Aluko explained that the command was ensuring protection of mining sites and infrastructure from sabotage and theft.
Earlier in an address of welcome, President, Gemstones Miners and Marketers Association of Nigeria, Mr Adeniran Ajibade said this year’s expo is aimed at addressing the pros and cons in the mining sector.
Theme of the event is maximizing Nigeria’s rich and remarkable gem, strengthening the value chain from mining to market for economic advancement.