Kwara State has played host to the National Council on Mining and Mineral Resources Development (NCMMRD), with Stakeholders from the 36 states of the Federation to year 2024 Annual Conference, held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, in Ilorin, the State Capital.
Welcoming members to the 5th National Conference of the Council, the State Commissioner, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Hon. Abdulquawiy Olododo harped on the need for all hands to be on deck to address illegal mining in whatever guise, with the aim of further enhancing the economic development of the country.
The Commissioner affirmed that, if mining sector is properly harnessed, it will be next to Oil in term of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Olododo noted enthusiastically that, illegal Mining has reduced drastically in Kwara State, due to effective collaboration and synergy between the Ministry and Security Agencies, therefore commended the support and intervention of the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq CON , who’s administration has achieved a lot in the mining sector.
He further gave kudos to Government’s determination to revalidate all expired licences in the state as part of the initiatives, to attract potential investors in the mining sector.
Hon. Olododo however called for a sustainable collaboration and synergy between Federal and State Government as well as other critical stakeholders with a view to moving the Sector to the next level.
In her address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals and Steel Development, Dr Mary Ogbe gave a charge that, “it is our collective responsibility to ensure a sustainable development of the Nigerian Solid Minerals Sector, as we are all aware of the immense Potential and benefits that the Nation stands to gain, from the Sector.”
She however, acknowledged the challenges and opportunities associated with harnessing these important resources, adding that the challenges could be surmounted through collective efforts.
In a similar vein, the Permanent Secretary, Kwara State Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Mrs Funke Sokoya, appreciated the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for investing in the mining sector, which she described as a sure means of diversifying the state’s economy, from its present state.
Sokoya explained that, Solid Minerals Sector in Nigeria is gradually becoming the toast of both Local and International investors, due to the abundance of minerals resources deposit in the country.
“Going by the theme of the Conference; ‘Minerals and Metal Sector : A panacea for Economic Growth and Diversification,’ solid minerals development is a major alternative that could boost the economy of the State and the Nation at large.”
She also recognized relentless efforts of Federal Government, aimed at diversifying the nation’s economy, through the renewed hope agenda of Mr President, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu GCFR.
Activities at the Technical Session include: discussion on policy reforms, investment opportunities, Community engagement, Environmental Sustainability and Fostering Innovation in the sector.
The session also called for thorough collaborative efforts involving relevant stakeholders, in order to overcome challenges in the sector.
