…Hints at FEC’s role in safeguarding natural resources
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Nasarawa State government has forged a collaboration for the advancement of the nation’s mining sector.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake made this known during a meeting with the Nasarawa State governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule.
Alake acknowledged the governor’s crucial support for the Lithium factory construction in Nasarawa, highlighting the state’s leading efforts in partnering with the Federal Government for solid minerals development.
“The governor has been very supportive of the solid minerals sector, not because his state is a solid minerals state, but because he’s an engineer, he is a technical person. He understands the dynamics of the sector, and I commend his efforts,” emphasised Alake.
In his remarks, Sule lauded the minister for spearheading the revival of the mining sector and facilitating the state’s acquisition of gold, tin and lithium mining licenses. He expressed gratitude for the licenses obtained recently and discussed the ongoing construction of the lithium factory. The governor also highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships (PPP) to efficiently manage mining ventures, ensuring the state maximises benefits.
“I come from the private sector, and I understand how the public sector doesn’t become so efficient in the management of this venture, so we have public-private-partnership (PPP) arrangements. This implies [that] we are going to have partners and we have some level of equity participation that will ensure the state gets maximum benefits,” added the governor.
Alake shared insights into discussions about the unfortunate Ibadan explosion incident, emphasising the ongoing investigation. While awaiting forensic analysis, Alake underscored the importance of security around the country’s natural resources. He revealed the formation of a committee at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to coordinate security concerning natural resources, including minerals, forests and the marine economy.
“We cannot rely on speculation, so we have to wait for an efficient forensic analysis of the unfortunate incident, but that also underscores the security around our country, generally, which Mr. President has been very fastidious about. There was a committee that was set up at the Federal Executive Council (FEC), yesterday, to coordinate security around our natural resources, including minerals, forests and the marine economy. The committee will start meeting from tomorrow and we will be giving updates,” asserted the minister.
Sule was accompanied by former governor, Sen. Tanko Al-Makura; the Attorney General of Nasarawa State, Abdulkarim Kana, among others.
