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Mining: Shun foreign patronage, promote local operations, FG urges stakeholders

Operators in the mining sector in Nigeria have been told to promote value addition to mineral finds, than aligning with foreign interests to undermine the sustainable development of the sector locally.

Permanent secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Mary Ogbe, said this at the inauguration of the new executive Council of Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Abuja.

Ogbe said the continued patronage of imported minerals as raw materials by local industries was a subtle way of promoting foreign interest that undermined the sector in Nigeria, thereby, stunting the growth of the sector especially where such minerals are locally available.

She said that some minerals were exported raw to Asian and European countries at ridiculous prices without value, adding that such practice has added to unemployment in the country.

“Some of the members indulge in illegal mining activities, instead of being partners in progress to develop the sector. This attitude has hindered the sustainable development of the sector and constitutes a huge revenue loss.

“I urge the leadership of the association to advise its members to shun illegal mining activities. “The members should always collaborate with the ministry to ensure that activities are carried out in line with the provisions of the laws regulating the sector,” she said.

Ogbe was represented at the Election of the Miners Association Nigeria by Mr. Okhuoya Sunday, Deputy Director, Mines Inspectorate of the ministry.

The Chairman, Board of Trustee (BOT), Alhaji Sani Shehu, earlier, called on governments at all levels to work with the MAN, to enable the country to achieve the objectives of the sector.

Shehu pointed out that some mining industries were seriously engaged with illegal mining and urged the government to show more interest in supporting the adding that the government’s support would help to curb the menace.

Shehu said where artisanal miners have a small-scale cooperative license, they can operate legally, and such support will enhance the activities.

The chairman urged the new electorate to behave well and vote for the candidates of their choice.

The Chief Superintendent, Import and Export Unit, Tariff and Trade Department, Nigeria Customs Service, Mrs Chibuzo Oguche, said that the service was ready to collaborate with the MAN to track those miners that engaged in illegal activities across the country.

“We are looking forward to good synergy between the MAN and customs because, by the time we get to the database of registered miners, we will be able to track those illegal miners.”

The newly elected President, Mr Dele Ayanleke, thanked the association for the opportunity given to them, adding that the new members would not take the gesture for granted.

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