By Owen Eresoyen, Benin
Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has lamented the numerous challenges, including informality, lack of funding, and inadequate mining technology in the solid minerals sector.
There’s potential of the solid minerals sector in driving economic diversification and job creation, particularly in rural areas where artisanal mining activities are significant sources of livelihood.
The Executive Director/CEO of NEPC Mrs. Nonye Ayeni made this known in Benin while speaking on the potential of the solid minerals sector in driving economic diversification and job creation, particularly in rural areas.
The theme of the event was “Strategic Engagement on Formalization/Standardization of Solid Minerals Development for Export Competitiveness”
Ayeni, represented by Andrew Okhiulu, the Edo coordinator NEPC, emphasized the importance of formalizing and standardizing the solid minerals sector to boost economic growth and development.
According to Ayeni the NEPC’s initiative is expected to contribute to the growth and development of the solid minerals sector, which is richly endowed in Nigeria, particularly in Edo, with deposits of kaolin clay, limestone, gypsum, marble, granite, feldspar, dolomite, iron ore, and lignite.
She stated that the Council recognizes the contributions of the solid minerals sector to non-oil exports portfolio and the tremendous opportunities in achieving greater economic potentials through this intervention.
“At a time when global economic trends challenge our traditional revenue streams, there has never been a better moment to reassess and rejuvenate our approach to economic diversification through the solid minerals sector”, she said.
She noted that the sector is faced with numerous challenges, including informality, lack of funding, and inadequate mining technology.
She called for the establishment of state-supported cooperatives to integrate artisanal miners, capacity training on sustainable extraction and safety, and the development of a mineral processing center/facility to add value to raw materials.
Ayeni further emphasized the need for skills revolution, land reclamation policies, and water treatment protocols to ensure ethical mining practices that can attract premium global markets.
The Edo Coordinator of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr Andrew Okhiulu, represented by Chief trade Promotion Officer, Oyinkan Duke, said the seminar is aimed to bring together policymakers, miners, processors, exporters, and other stakeholders to deliberate on practical strategies.
