Governors hail Fed Govt’s mining sector reform initiatives
…as Alake asks states to form mining companies
Governors of the nation’s 36 states have expressed satisfaction with ongoing efforts by the federal government to reform the mining sub-sector of the economy.
The governors said they welcomed the reform initiatives being briefed by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Oladele Alake on the various reform initiatives of the federal government to harness the mining potentials of the country.
According to a communique issued at the end of the meeting, but released on Friday, May 17, by the NGF’s secretariat, Alake briefed the governors on recent policies, and institutional and operational reforms undertaken by the ministry in harnessing the mining potentials of the country.
The communique, signed by NGF’s chairman and Kwara state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, revealed that Alake sought the cooperation of state governments in his drive to create an enabling business environment for investors, support artisanal and small-scale mining cooperatives, address illegal mining, and de-risk the sector.
The minister also encouraged state governments to form mining companies and apply for mining licenses.
In their response, the governors said they welcomed the reforms.
They, however, advocated for stronger intergovernmental relations in coordinating the activities of the sector from licensing, and surveillance to operational safeguards.
It was also stated, in the communique that “the forum received briefing from Dr. Ahmad Abdulwahab, NGF Senior Health Advisor, on states’ progress with expanding health insurance coverage and their performance on nutrition as well as the Primary Healthcare (PHC) Leadership Challenge.
“He also informed members about the roll-out of phase two of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination exercise in 21 states starting 27th May 2024.
“Members committed to ramping up effort at achieving the necessary improvements advocated.”
