By Pascal Adeniyi
The Kwara State government has disclosed its readiness to provide the much needed political will in repositioning and developing the solid minerals sector of the State for socio-economic development, especially in the face of the dwindling revenue from oil.
The State Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, made this known in Ilorin, the State capital, at a meeting with geological services consultants, who came at his instance to present roadmap for the development of the sector which seems to have been neglected by successive administrations in the State.
Dr. Abolore, who said the engagement was aimed at focusing on socio-economic development of the State, disclosed the preparedness of his ministry towards identifying and exploiting the State's mineral resources, establishing a new mining regulatory framework with a view to stepping up actions to curb illegal activities in the sector.
"The repositioning of the solid minerals sector is a key component of our administration's economic diversification strategy. We are committed to creating an enabling environment for mining operators to thrive and contribute to the State's economic growth.
"Government is therefore, ready to come up with a regulatory framework and roadmap which includes providing incentives for investors, promoting sustainable mining practices, improving revenue generation, safeguarding the host communities against environmental degradation and establishing a mining development fund to support local mining communities which in turn would create more employment opportunities for residents", Abolore revealed.
The State Commissioner further explained that mining sector remains very critical and assured that government would also partner with private sector operators to develop mining infrastructure and provide training for artisanal miners.
Earlier, the Lead Consultant, Dr. Steve Ipinniwa, said Kwara State’s abundance of mineral resources, which remained untapped, holds the key to its economic development, especially in the face of the dwindling prices of crude in the international market.
He maintained that the only option for the country at this critical period was to explore minerals resources and agriculture potentials for the economic development of the country.
Dr Ipinniwa emphasized that though mining is on the exclusive list of the Federal Government by regulation and licensing, this however, did not stop the State government from benefiting or developing the sector with collaboration and working round the appropriate legislations and laws guiding the mining industry.
The retired Permanent Secretary then challenged experts and geologists to acquaint themselves with quality information and emerging trends in the sector which would assist in coming up with workable recommendations that would form the road map for the development of the sector, expressing optimism that this move by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development would boost the State's economy and provide jobs for thousands of residents.
In his reaction, the Permanent Secretary, Kwara State Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Tpl. Isiaq Yinka Olokooba, commended the presentation of the Consultants and assured that government would ensure that environmental and social impact assessments are conducted to guarantee an environmentally friendly and socially responsible mining activities.
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