The Nigerian government has expressed its commitment to align with the clean energy future by taking steps to explore alternative energy sources through economic diversification into solid minerals,leadership report.
Dr. Mary Ogbe, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, made this declaration at the opening ceremony of the fifth edition of the National Council On Mining and Minerals Resources Development (NCMMRD) in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State. The event’s theme, “Minerals and Metals Sector: A Panacea for Economic Growth and Diversity,” underscores the nation’s need to shift from dependence on crude oil to foster sustainable sources of government revenue in the face of the global transition to a green economy.
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Dr. Ogbe emphasized that fossil fuel energy is gradually being phased out globally with the rise of electric cars, posing a challenge for Nigeria’s crude oil-dependent economy. Highlighting the urgency of the situation, she noted that 30% of vehicles in China are electrically powered, and Nigeria must adapt to this changing landscape.
She stressed the significance of developing the solid minerals sector as a timely and essential move for the country’s economic prosperity. With 44 identified solid minerals across 50 locations in Nigeria, Dr. Ogbe acknowledged the sector’s potential opportunities and challenges, urging stakeholders to collaborate in sustainable and effective exploitation.
The ongoing National Council on Mining and Mineral Resources Development, according to Dr. Ogbe, serves as a crucial platform for discussing policy reforms, investment opportunities, community engagement, environmental sustainability, and fostering innovation. She encouraged participants to contribute their knowledge and experiences to address industry challenges.
Dr. Ogbe clarified that such conferences are not merely discussions but contribute to policy formulations that have integrated the minerals and mines sector into Nigeria’s recent energy mix. Mrs. Funke Shokoya, the permanent secretary in the Kwara State Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, echoed the call for collaboration between federal and state authorities in mineral sector administration during her welcome speech.
