The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to diversify the nation’s economy through the Solid Minerals Development sector. The Minister of State for Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD), Hon. Abubakar Bawa Bwari said this when he received top officials of Pricewaterhouse Coopers who paid a courtesy call on him in his office recently.
The Minister stated that Government is determined to achieve the target set by President Buhari for the sector; adding that the resources and potentials are abundantly available.
Hon. Bawa Bwari commended the Company for its interest and knowledge of the mining sector. He assured that with the support of able staff and a Company like PWC, to achieve the mandate is not an “impossible mission.” He further explained that all the areas mentioned in the document submitted by the Company are already captured by the road map released recently. He further said, “I saw your concerns over the years; the road map that was printed in 2012, it was a good one which you acknowledged, but with little impact.” The Minister however, hoped that they will make a difference and after this tenure, the report would be a different and an impactful one.
The team leader of Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Uyi Akpata who is also the Company’s senior partner, presented a discussion document on behalf of the Company, entitled “Nigerian mining strategy- from concept to action.” The Company’s prayer is to champion the setting up of an independent implementation team.
According to him, the team would be responsible for outlining specific granular activities, setting milestones, monitoring implementation and periodic reporting to the Ministers. He said that expectations are high on the agriculture and mining sectors because of the drop in oil prices. He added that PWC wants to collaborate with the Ministry to achieve the mandate for the best of the nation.
The mining experts from different fields in mining, took their turns to talk on where to focus and how to succeed in three categories which are short term, medium term and long term priorities.
The Company further advised that there is need to widen stakeholders’ participation and consultation so as to continually track the sector’s progress.
