In a bid to enhance the contribution of the solid minerals sector to the gross domestic product (GDP) of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation is set to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
This strategic partnership aims to project the solid minerals sector more prominently for economic gains and overall benefits to the country.
The Minister for Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake expressed the significance of this collaboration during a meeting with the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris in Abuja. Alake highlighted the visit as an opportunity to showcase the solid minerals sector and leverage the cooperation of the information ministry for mutual advantage.
“This visit has shed light on the solid minerals sector and brought it into the public glare. It is to our advantage and mutual benefit. We seek your cooperation and, in fact, I can say categorically that we already have your cooperation in assisting the solid minerals sector to meet its stated objective of contributing significantly to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product,” Alake affirmed.
Commending President Bola Tinubu for appointing committed and focused individuals to the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Alake emphasised the vision of making the ministry a significant contributor to the GDP. He likened the importance of the solid minerals sector to the next petroleum of Nigeria, highlighting the need for collective efforts to elevate Nigeria to new heights.
Responding to the commitment expressed by Alake, Idris affirmed the readiness of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to cooperate fully with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. He acknowledged the critical role of the solid minerals sector in diversifying the economy and stressed the importance of drawing public attention to this essential sector.
“This is the first-ever visit as Information Minister I am making to any ministry. This is the first one and I said I won’t go anywhere without coming here because I want to draw the participation of Nigerians to this very critical sector of our economy. It is very important that all of us recognise that and cooperate and also join him in pushing Mr. President’s vision in this direction,” Idris declared.
The information minister applauded Alake’s dedication and focus in bringing the solid minerals sector to the forefront of positive public perception. He noted that the Ministry of Solid Minerals, under Alake’s leadership had gained significant visibility and admiration.
“You can see that in the way he has handled the Solid Minerals Ministry. It is not a new ministry; it is one of the oldest ministries around. Since he came here, he has managed to put the Solid Minerals sector on the front burner, to the extent that people are becoming extremely envious of this ministry because of what he has done,” Idris remarked.
The minister also commended Alake’s advocacy visits abroad to attract foreign investors to Nigeria, positioning the country as a destination for mining activities. The collaboration between the two ministries is expected to bolster efforts towards the economic growth and diversification envisioned by President Tinubu.
