The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has signaled plans to conduct a comprehensive forensic audit of the mining sector as part of efforts to reform the industry and enhance investor confidence.
According to The PUNCH, this was revealed in a statement released on Thursday by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori.
Tomori explained that the minister shared this information during a meeting with Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Wednesday at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
“I can reveal that we are going to embark on a forensic audit of the entire sector. We are collaborating with the Ministry of Science and Technology on satellite imaging, in line with the directive of Mr. President,” Dr. Alake stated.
Alake highlighted that the ongoing reforms would incorporate technology-driven mechanisms to strengthen the federal government’s regulatory framework.
“This will assist in monitoring activities at mining sites and consequently bolster our capacity to effectively secure the mining environment,” he added.
Alake also underscored Plateau State’s crucial role in the Federal Government’s strategy to develop the mining sector.
He sought collaboration with Governor Mutfwang to tap into the state’s significant solid mineral resources and address the numerous abandoned mining pits, which he noted as remnants from the colonial era.
“We are working towards creating an Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation Fund to establish a pool of resources that can be used for remediation efforts. This includes covering or converting abandoned pits, which pose a danger to our citizens and communities, into productive uses like irrigation,” Alake added.
Governor Mutfwang, in his remarks, praised the enthusiasm and commitment Alake has shown since taking office. He expressed optimism that under Alake’s leadership, Nigeria would be able to unlock the immense potential of its solid minerals to significantly boost the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.
On the topic of securing mining sites, the governor commended the efforts of the mining marshals, urging the minister to integrate them into the state’s security apparatus to ensure their activities are well-coordinated.
Mutfwang also called for an enhanced regulatory framework, up-to-date data in the mining sector, and federal assistance to tackle the issue of abandoned mining pits in Plateau State.
“We are hopeful that through our partnership with the ministry, we can leverage the Federal Government’s ecological funds to remedy these abandoned sites. Not only is this vital for health, but it also holds potential economic value,” Mutfwang emphasized.
