The Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification (MinDiver) Project has been officially handed over to the ministries of Solid Minerals and Steel Development.
The hand-over was made today at a formal ceremony at the ministries’ headquarters in Abuja. This milestone marks a new phase in the project’s lifecycle as the ministries assume full responsibility for overseeing and implementing initiatives aimed at transforming Nigeria’s mining sector.
Addressing stakeholders at the event, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD), Dr. Mary Ogbe highlighted that the MinDiver Project, launched in 2017 and concluding in 2024, aimed to establish a more resilient, transparent and diversified mining sector. She emphasised that this strengthened sector should significantly contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.
Ogbe underscored the critical need to sustain the legacy of the MinDiver Project to fully capitalise on the substantial investments made. She urged all heads of agencies and departments under the ministry to thoroughly review the project’s activities and identify areas where their units could contribute. According to her, this step is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project’s objectives, which are geared toward strengthening the mining sector and furthering economic diversification.
The chief accounting officer noted that the MinDiver project represents a comprehensive strategy to unlock Nigeria’s mineral resources, stressing that its continuity is vital for maximising the sector’s potential. She called on stakeholders to take ownership by aligning their departmental goals with MinDiver’s activities, ensuring that the momentum generated by the project is maintained beyond its formal conclusion.
Ogbe also pointed out the ongoing budget planning process, stressing the need for each department to meticulously study the project’s activities and make informed decisions that would foster sustainability. She explained that a clear understanding of these activities would provide not only a roadmap for future initiatives but also a foundation for objective budgeting and resource allocation. This, she said, would ensure that investments made in the MinDiver project yield long-lasting results, ultimately benefiting Nigeria’s mining industry and contributing to broader economic diversification.
She called for a collaborative effort among all stakeholders, urging a shared commitment to the project’s goals and responsibilities to maintain the necessary momentum for the sector’s continued growth and success.
In addition, Ogbe encouraged the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to adhere to high standards in its testing activities, ensuring accurate and reliable data for decision-making in areas such as mineral exploration, environmental assessments and infrastructure development. She stressed that meeting international standards would help build credibility, attracting both local and foreign investments in Nigeria’s mining and geological sectors.
Furthermore, Ogbe assigned the director-general of NGSA, Prof. Olusegun Ige the task of designing a job completion form for the supply of items. This form would ensure proper documentation and accountability, provide a clear record that supplied items meet required specifications, and resolve disputes. Such measures, she added, would contribute to efficient project management and transparency within the government.
Meanwhile, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Christopher Isokpunwu emphasised the need for stakeholders to address external challenges that could impact the industry. He urged industry leaders, policymakers and relevant agencies to collaborate in tackling issues that, although originating outside the sector, still affect its progress. Isokpunwu advocated for proactive measures to mitigate these challenges, stressing that a unified approach would strengthen the sector’s resilience and ensure sustainable growth.
In his remarks, the former project coordinator of MinDiver, Engr. Sallim Salam explained that the project’s core purpose was to strengthen the institutions overseeing the mining sector and develop the downstream segment of the industry. He noted that the project aimed to efficiently manage the mining sector while simultaneously creating a vibrant downstream sector that would add value to Nigeria’s mineral resources, ultimately contributing to economic diversification.
Salam expressed gratitude for the support given to MinDiver, which enabled the project to accomplish 75 percent of its objectives. Since its inception, he noted, MinDiver had focused on geological data acquisition, environmental, social safeguards, among other critical areas.
He also revealed that MinDiver had compiled a list of trained officers equipped to oversee specific projects. These officers, who possess the necessary expertise, can manage key aspects of the initiatives, ensuring the Ministry has a dependable pool of skilled personnel to support the continuity and success of the projects. This strategic approach, he added, would enhance overall efficiency and sustainability within the sector.
The ceremony’s key highlight was the formal handover of MinDiver to the ministries of Solid Minerals and Steel Development.
The event was attended by directors, heads of departments, heads of agencies, stakeholders and representatives from the World Bank, underscoring the project’s importance in Nigeria’s broader economic development agenda.
