Explore opportunities in mining not jobs abroad, minister tells Nigerian youths
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has urged youths to explore Nigeria’s mineral opportunities instead of jobs abroad.
Mr Alake made the call in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Sunday in Abuja.
He spoke at a conference to mark the African Mining Week in Cape Town, South Africa, with the theme, “Vision and Strategy – Setting the stage for Minerals Industrialisation.’’
The minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Farouk Yabo, underscored the continent’s strategic role in powering the 21st century economy through its vast mineral wealth.
He said, “Our youths should no longer seek jobs abroad while opportunities lie buried beneath their feet. The time to industrialise is now. Let us set the stage for an Africa that is not just a participant in the global minerals economy, but a driver of its future.”
According to the minister, Africa’s minerals have powered industrilisation elsewhere while the continent’s economies remain under-industrialised.
He called for an end to such paradox, stating that Africa’s vision must be clear in moving from extractive dependence to transformative industrialisation
He said that Africa must move from a raw minerals supplier to a global hub for mineral processing, innovation and green industrialisation
“Nigeria is incentivising local beneficiation from gold refining to lithium processing and revoking dormant licences to promote serious investment. Nigeria is also strengthening governance and transparency to attract credible global partners, while building a national critical minerals strategy,” he stated.
Mr Alake, who doubles as the Chairman of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) on the sidelines of the week, also intimated the ministerial roundtable of Nigeria’s efforts to create a one trillion-dollar economy by 2030.
He urged African countries to prioritise mapping their mineral resources and provide effective supervision to ensure that only licenced operators engaged in mining.
He stated, “Nigeria is investing in digitising mining processes from data accessibility to mineral traceability. We are also focusing on bequeathing strong institutions and the right policies to drive reforms.”
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Tinubu advised me never to negotiate with criminals, Gov Ododo says
“I don’t play with criminals, and I don’t negotiate with them. I can tell you that, as far as Kogi State is concerned, we don’t have a department for ransom payment,” he said.
Heading 1
U.S. has spent $37.5 billion on Iran war: Hegseth
“The estimate we have as of today is $37.5 billion,” Mr Hegseth said.
Lagos
Slain Lagos NURTW organising secretary buried amid tears
Mr Ajiboye died days after he was attacked by gunmen.
Africa
144 refugees, migrants dead, missing off Mauritania coast: UNHCR
“The refugees and migrants were reported dead or missing after attempting the perilous sea journey from West Africa towards Europe,” the agency said.
World
U.S. govt condemns Ortega’s ban on elections in Nicaragua
Mr Rubio urged the international community to rise against Mr Ortega’s dictatorship.
World
Zelensky sacks Ukraine’s top general after firing defence minister
Mr Syrskyi’s dismissal came days after Mr Zelensky fired Ukraine’s defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, a decision that sparked protests across the country.
