The National Council of mining would be deliberating on Mineral sector governance,with focus on challenges of federal and regional cooperation in mining sector activities, in addition to illegal mining and export challenges in its forthcoming meeting to be held next week.
Also topping the agenda of discussion is: mines field security challenges,with focus on social and environmental concerns;modalities for creating effective regulations for the solid mineral and metal sector;and strategies for the implementation of the minerals roadmap for national development.
Abubakar Bawa Bwari,the Minister of state Mines and Steel Development said at a media briefing for the maiden edition of the National Council on mining and mineral resources that the meeting is aimed at creating more friendly mining environment and attracting pool of global investors in the country.
He explained that the meeting is geared towards promoting sustainable mining environment while also creating a mining environment responsive to investors needs in line with laid down procedures.
The National Council on mining and mineral resources development is an interactive platform where stakeholders meet annually to advise and recommend ways of improving the sector’s overall contribution to the economy.
The Council will have members drawn from the national and state houses of assembly,commissioners and permanent secretaries in charge of all relevant federal and state ministries,agencies and parastatals,the organised private sector and security agencies.
Members also consists of tertiary institutions,industry players,labour unions,civil society organisations,artisinal and small scale miners,United Nation’s representatives,development partners,women on mining and local mining communities.
The federal government recently launched N5bn mining fund for artisinal and small scale miners to scale up formalising the sector to contribute more than its present 0.5% to GDP.
The minister notes that the choice of the theme:”Enhancing Mineral Resource Governance Towards Economic Growth and Diversification’ is chosen to spur more economic growth from the sector,as the economy has exited recession with 0.55% of GDP report just released on Tuesday.
HARRISON EDEH, ABUJA
