The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has underscored the pivotal role of technology in revitalizing and enhancing the mining sector for increased productivity in Nigeria.
During a meeting with the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, on Monday, Alake stressed that technology could significantly contribute to the development of the solid minerals sector.
Specifically, it could be instrumental in scientific geo-data generation and addressing security challenges, among other aspects related to the mining value chain.
Alake expressed his commitment to integrating technology into the security architecture being revamped within the mining sector.
He emphasized that the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Technology was a natural partner for this endeavor, given its expertise in technological solutions.
“The security architecture that we are rejigging, we are going to inject a large measure of technology into it. Where else to go but the science, innovation and technology Ministry, to assist us in this regard.
“That’s why my brother minister has come in and we are consolidating, discussing, and moving the issue forward to ensure that at the end of the day there is synergy in all our operations.
The collaborative efforts between the two ministries were further strengthened during a recent ministerial retreat, with the goal of ensuring synergy across their operations.
The visit by Minister Nnaji signals a collective drive to ensure that the Ministry of Solid Minerals benefits from the latest innovations and advancements in technology.
It is an integral part of their efforts to modernize the mining sector and make it more efficient.
In response, Minister Nnaji acknowledged the importance of a partnership that leverages technology to keep Minister Alake informed about activities within the mining sector.
He highlighted various innovative approaches, including satellite technology, to monitor the issuance of mining licenses and detect illegal mining activities.
With these tools, Minister Alake will have the ability to oversee the mining sector from his desk, enhancing the government’s ability to maintain a vigilant eye on mining operations and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
This collaborative approach is in alignment with the renewed hope agenda for Nigeria, aiming to revitalize and modernize the mining sector while fostering transparency and compliance through advanced technological solutions.
