17th May, 2024
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Federal Government has met with 32 state governors to establish a joint committee to address mining issues, emphasizing the importance of collaborative federalism.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake disclosed this in an X post on Friday.
Alake said during the meeting, hosted by the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Kwara State Governor AbdulRasak Abdulrahman, he spoke about the federal government’s commitment to partnering with states to enhance the mining sector.
He added that it was stressed at the meeting that solid minerals fall under the exclusive legislative list, and that the states should seek approval from the ministry before making policy decisions on mining activities within their jurisdictions.
“I encouraged the state governors to apply for mining licenses to become key stakeholders in the industry, ensuring both revenue generation and environmental preservation.
“I also highlighted the formation of the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) with significant state representation as a step towards effective management of mining activities.
“Ultimately, we agreed to enhance engagement and develop a cooperative strategy to overcome obstacles hindering progress in the mining sector,” Alake stated.