Government committed to  harnessing mineral resources for prosperity of Nigerians –Alake

*Dr. Oladele Alake, Minister for Solid Minerals Development, explains the concept of ‘just transition’ in the energy sector recognises the needs of the workforce, communities, and economies to establish and consolidate the forces of fostering inclusivity, providing alternatives, and equitably distributing the benefits of this transformation to stakeholders

*Nigeria open for business in solid minerals sector, says President Tinubu

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Dr. Oladele Alake, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring sustainable and efficient harnessing of the country’s mineral resources to drive economic growth and create prosperity for citizens.

The Minister stated this in his opening remarks as the Chief Host of the 2nd Edition of the Africa Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) with the theme, “Towards a Just Transition”, Tuesday, October 31, 2023, in Abuja, FCT.

Segun Tomori, Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, Tuesday stated Dr. Alake emphasised the essence of collaboration to diversify the West African country’s energy sources, promote renewable energy and implement energy efficiency measures.

Concept of ‘just transition’ in energy sector transformation, by Dr. Alake

The Minister also noted: “At the heart of this summit, we find the idea of a ‘Just Transition’.

“This concept calls for us to ensure that as we shift towards more sustainable practices in natural resource development and energy production, no one is left behind.

“The just transition is about recognising the needs of our workforce, communities, and economies that have long depended on traditional energy sources to establish and consolidate the forces of fostering inclusivity, providing alternatives, and equitably distributing the benefits of this transformation.”

He further explained “the just transition demands that we address the social and economic challenges that may arise from shifting away from traditional energy sources.”

Alake urged the industry stakeholders: “We must invest in workforce re-training, creating alternative employment opportunities, and supporting impacted communities.

“Africa must adopt policies that provide a safety net for those who might be negatively affected by this transition.”

Dr. Alake equally hinted at the development of a policy framework for effective and efficient management of identified transition minerals

He stressed that the Federal Government recognises the global shift towards sustainable, environmentally friendly technologies hence its resolve for responsible management of critical minerals towards cleaner energy systems, reduction of carbon emissions and global fight against climate change.

Nigeria’s solid minerals sector open for business, says President Tinubu

In his Presidential Keynote Address on the occasion,  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ably represented by Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), declared that Nigeria is open for business.

President Buhari restated his administration’s commitment to exploring the nation’s God-given mineral resources in collaboration with genuine partners.

He also identified job creation, sanitising the mining sector, establishing an industrial sector, and addressing challenges facing the mining sector as priority areas of his administration.

Presidential take on illegal mining, other sharp practices

Reading the riot act to those fraudulent individuals and groups hitherto short-changing the country through illegal mining and other sharp practices, President Buhari emphasised that it is no longer business as usual.

According to him, those that refuse to turn over a new leaf will be treated as economic saboteurs and made to face the full wrath of the law.

Other dignitaries that graced the opening of the 2nd edition of AFNIS include Prince Shuaib Audu; Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals, Mrs. Mary Ogbe; Chairman of Mosra Energy, Olukayode Ramos, and a host of others, stated Tomori.