By Nurat Uthman
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development is partnering with the Global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) to drive reforms in the sector.
Alake disclosed this while receiving a delegation of EITI led by Dr Ogbonnaya Orji, the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), on Wednesday in Abuja.
Alake expressed Federal Government’s commitment to work with EITI and NEITI to advance economic-driven strides in the solid minerals sector.
He said that the government was determined to reposition the solid minerals sector to boost Nigeria’s revenue profile while also creating job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths.
“The new administration is determined to reform the mining sector to overtake oil and gas in revenue generation, investment interests, and as an alternative domestic resource mobilisation base, job creation, and poverty reduction options,” he said.
He said the ministry’s improved operations and drive for reforms were premised on its robust engagements with NEITI since 2011.
He stressed the importance of reliable information and data, good governance, transparency, and accountability needed in driving the sector, which EITI advocated for globally.
According to him, the principles are being applied in the plans and policies of President Bola Tinubu to reform the mining sector.
“Working with NEITI over the years has been quite impactful in the areas of revenue generation and driving evidence-based reforms.
“NEITI, therefore, remains one of our dependable allies and partners in data generation, data analysis, and utilisation as a key tool in national planning and development,” he said.
He assured the delegation of looking into the recommendations of NEITI in its 2021 report and the line of action needed for its implementation, aimed at strengthening its operations.
