The Federal Government has inaugurated a 17-man committee to develop a blueprint to guide the transformation of the solid minerals sector in the country.
It noted that given the dwindling fortunes of the nation as a result of falling oil prices, the government has hinged the diversification of the economy on the solid minerals and agricultural sectors.
A statement issued in Abuja recently stated that the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, inaugurated the committee chaired by Prof. Ibrahim Garba and co-chaired by Prof. Siyan Malomo. The committee has three weeks to complete its assignment.
Fayemi said the committee was to produce a 25-year action plan for the transformation of the solid minerals sector, broken down into 24-month short-term plan, 10-year midterm plan and 25-year long-term plan.
The terms of reference of the committee include the identification of hindrances to the development of Nigeria’s mineral resources, identification of pathways to overcome the barriers, prioritisation of activities and provision of time frames for all activities.
They also include the creation of models and scenarios for successful implementation and monitoring of activities; and development of a consensus strategy for buy-in by all stakeholders in the industry, among others.
The minister said the committee was at liberty to identify sub-sectional activities along the minerals value chain that would enhance the rapid development of the industry.
He urged the committee members to take the assignment with passion and commitment, adding that the work was critical to the economy of the nation.
Garba expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for giving the members an opportunity to serve the nation in that capacity and pledged their determination to take the responsibility very seriously.
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