By Yusuf Olukokun
Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, has implored Nigerian State Governors to form mining companies in order to explore more opportunities and should also apply for licenses from the Ministry.
According to Channels, this was made known through a communiquè issued after the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) meeting on Wednesday in Abuja.
The communiquè stated that the Minister’s decision for the inclusion of State Governors in mining activities is to get the potentials in the industry, in line with the current institutional and operational reforms.
The statement read in part, “He sought the cooperation of State governments in his drive to create an enabling business environment for investors, support artisanal and small-scale mining cooperatives, address illegal mining, and de-risk the sector. The Minister encouraged State Governments to form mining companies and apply for mining licences.”
However, it was also noted that the State Governor “welcome the reforms” but they unitedly called for deep intergovernmental relations, ranging from licensing, surveillance to operational modes.
The Minister’s advice was directed toward addressing illegal mining activities throughout the country.
