Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu views the solid minerals sector as a cornerstone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to diversify the economy. The statement, issued by Alake’s media aide Kehinde Bamigbetan on Monday, highlighted the significance of the solid minerals industry in the country’s economic landscape.
Speaking during discussions on the potential for deep-sea mining in Nigeria’s coastal waters at the Commonwealth Secretariat in the United Kingdom, Minister Alake outlined the ministry’s strategic plans for the sector. He disclosed a comprehensive seven-point agenda, which includes the establishment of a solid minerals company.
The agenda further encompasses initiatives such as gathering substantial data on mineral reserves to enhance mine safety and ensuring the socio-economic development of mining communities through effective community development agreements.
Mr. Alake urged the Commonwealth to lend its support to the initiatives undertaken by President Tinubu’s government. He emphasized that the ministry is committed to collaborating with other relevant ministries to explore dimensions of deep-sea mining, presenting a proposal for further consideration.
Paul Kautoke, the Commonwealth’s Senior Director of Trade (Oceans and Natural Resources Department), acknowledged Nigeria’s potential in exploring deep-sea minerals such as copper, cobalt, nickel, gold, and rare earth elements. As a coastal country, Nigeria is well-positioned to delve into the prospects of deep-sea mining, an area where several Commonwealth countries in the Pacific region have made significant strides.
Mr. Kautoke expressed the Commonwealth’s willingness to assist Nigeria in developing a policy framework for deep-sea mining, recognizing the valuable contribution it could make to the country’s economic diversification efforts. The collaboration between Nigeria and the Commonwealth holds promise for advancing sustainable and responsible mining practices in the nation’s coastal waters.