FG, stakeholders to brainstorm on mining development in Abuja

STAKEHOLDERS are to converge on Abuja to brainstorm on enhancing the mining and steel development sector as part of the ongoing efforts to fully diversify the nation’s economy.

The event organised by the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, which is a maiden edition of its National Council on Mining and Mineral Resources Development, would from September 12-14, at the Nigerian Air-Force Conference Hall, Kado, Abuja.

According to information obtained from the ministry by the Nigerian Tribune, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, approved the hosting of the council meeting on an annual basis following the approval by Federal Executive Council (FEC).

The council is expected to bring all stakeholders in the mining sector under one umbrella to discuss and brainstorm on matter relating to enhancing the sector.

The recommendations of the council would assist the ministry to review, strengthen and/or initiate robust policies for the mining sector of the national economy.

Membership of the council include ministers, commissioners in charge of relevant state ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs); the legislature, security agencies, tertiary institutions, industry players, labour unions, professional associations, as well as civil society organisations, Artisanal and Small Scale Miners (ASMs).

With the theme: Enhancing Mineral Resource Governance towards Economic Growth and Diversification Stakeholders and interested members of the public are expected to submit a memoranda of not more than five pages in hard and soft copies on any topic in the following areas:

Minerals Sector Governance: Challenges of Federal/State Co-operation, illegal Mining And Export Challenges: Policy Recommendations, Mines Field Security Challenges: Social and Environmental Concerns, Creating Effective Regulation and Legal Framework for Sectoral Development and Strategies for the Implementation of the Mining Road Map for National Development.