By Nneka Nwogwugwu
The president of Rivers State Network of Non-Governmental Organisations, Dr. Mina Ogbanga has reacted to a recent comment by Olamilekan Adegbite, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development on promoting Nigeria’s solid minerals.
Adegbite, during the pre-press briefing of the Annual 6th Nigeria Mining Week last Tuesday in Abuja, had said that the Federal Government is throwing its political will and weight behind the promotion of the solid mineral sector.
He said that government political will and supports for the sector had made Nigeria one of the epicentres for the next technological change in the mining sector.
According to him, the sector is well positioned to support supply chain diversification as well as the security of supply on a global scale.
“It is with joy that I announce the return of Nigeria’s leading industry event on the calendar, the ‘Nigeria Mining Week’, which will be back in-person in Abuja after two consecutive years of digital connection.
“The entire mining value-chain will reconnect face-to-face and explore the many exciting opportunities that the mining sector that this West African block offers.
“The progress made so far since the inception of mining week will be showcased at the event; the event will be organised by the Vuka Group, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Nigeria and in collaboration with the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN),” he said.
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Reacting to this, Dr. Ogbanga, while speaking to NatureNews over the weekend, measured the possibility of exploiting natural resources in its best practice.
According to her, proper practices in mining exploitation are usually not been considered or followed.
She said that many people engage into illegal mining in the country, which serve as a challenge in the mining sector.
She said, “There are many statements but the political will to exploit natural resources in its best practice remains a challenge.
“Thorough procedural steps like abiding by Environmental Impact Assessment are not being followed.
“Following the EIA, gives direction to a sustainable process. So, if this is a decision so far taken we see it as a call for action.”
The Ministry of Mines and Steel is preparing for the 2022 Nigeria Mining Week which will hold from Nov. 1 to Nov. 3 at the International Conference Centre (ICC), with the theme: “Success and Achievements in the Mining Sector”.
The minister said that this year’s event had been designed to promote “what is widely regarded as the best next investment destination for mining companies and investors.
“This event forms part of our strides in beating the country’s proverbial mining drum loudly and clearly, by gracing many mining forums around the globe and communicating that the Nigerian mining sector is ready for investment and development,” he noted.
