MinDiver News, September 2020

Ministry of

Mines and Steel Development

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September 2020, Vol. 2 No. 2

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FG Synergises with State Governments on Mining

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n the sustained effort to ensure the transformation of the mining sector and achieve the mandate of President Muhammadu Buhari to use the mining sector as a critical platform for economic diversification of the country, the Ministers of Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite and Dr Uchechukwu Ogah, have embarked on the tour of states of the country to strengthen the cooperation between all the tiers of government.

The ministers have undertaken separate visits to a total of about 17 states seeking to integrate the states and local governments into the national strategic plan to explore and harness the mineral riches of the country.

The states so far visited included Kogi, Kano, Osun, Benue and Nasarawa, Bauchi, Enugu, Ondo, Oyo, Ekiti and Ogun states.

Others are Abia, Imo, Kwara, Cross River, Lagos, Kaduna and Niger states.

In addition to the visits to states, the ministry has effectively

Middle: Gov. Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu flanked on the left by Minister Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite and right, Minister of State, Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah on their maiden state visit late last year.

used the National Council on Mining and Mineral Resources Development to reach out to all stakeholders in the sector. The third edition of the council meeting was held in September last year in Ekiti state.

State governments in the federation were represented at the meeting by their commissioners,

permanent secretaries or special advisers on mineral resources development. Discussions at the meeting focused on fostering synergy between the three tiers of government and other stakeholders, developing strategies for sustainable mining and value addition as well as tackling security challenges, among others.

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FG Accelerates Measures to Encourage Downstream Investment in Mining Sector

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hursday 23 r d July, the Mining Review Africa, the Nigeria Mining Week and PwC organised a lively webinar that focused on building Nigeria's mining industry through

downstream opportunities. The discussions centred on the fall-out of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to encourage the development of Nigeria's downstream sector with the focus

on beneficiation, processing and trade.

The organisers of the virtual seminar noted that it was imperative that as lockdown measures in Nigeria were being eased and the Cont’d on pg. 11

Agbaja Steel Project: A Model in Downstream Mining Industry

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NEWS

Nigeria Mining Week's Digital Event: a Golden Opportunity to Show the Way ·

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he programme for the upcoming Nigeria Mining Week Digital Event taking place from 12-16 October, offers an extensive range of sessions that would showcase how various sectors are gearing up for a veritable transformation of the mining industry.

Nigeria Mining Week is organised by the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) in collaboration with PwC and Clarion Events Africa and is supported by the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development. This year marks the fifth edition of the event, which has garnered increasing interest over the years.

This year's edition would among other things focus on the synergy between ministries contributing to the development of the mining industry, finance, power, formalization of ASM and showcase the different opportunities and success stories in a number of Nigerian states.

Creating a 'Women In Mining' champion programme for sustainable development.

The mine of the future: Mechanisation and automation in Nigeria.

The online platform will also feature a who's who of expert speakers, headed up by Nigeria's Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite, amongst others. Speakers confirmed so far are: · Hajia Fatima Shinkafi, Executive Secretary, Solid Mineral Development Fund (SMDF), Nigeria · Obadiah Simon Nkom, Director General, Nigeria Mining Cadastre, Nigeria · George Heppel, Senior Analyst Base, CRU International, United Kingdom 2

Laide Gana, Director, Commodity Port Ltd, United Kingdom · Ebipere Clark, Ag. Special Assistant (Energy) to the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria · Wandisile Mandlana, Partner, Bowmans, South Africa · Kevin Joseph, Nivek Mining, Nigeria · Ibrahim A. Abdullahi, Special Adviser to the Governor, Nasarawa State, Nigeria · Barbara Dischinger, Director, International Women in Mining, UK · Frank Dixon Mugyenyi, Chairman, Board of Minerals Africa Development Institution, Uganda “Minister Adegbite is a great supporter of the event and has given the digital move his seal of approval,” says Sabrina Tab, Nigeria Mining Week's event manager. “The minister also has been true to his word and has participated in two of our live, topical webinars in the run-up to the Digital Event so far.”

Minister Adegbite stated in the most recent broadcast that: “In the absence of international roadshows, we have engaged through webinars. In the interim we are working on our policies locally and getting good results in cooperation with our partners and the Nigerian states.”

“It is clear that the industry is eager to engage, ask questions, find solutions and close deals,” says Sabrina Tab. “The Nigeria Mining Week Digital Event in October will offer five days of free, interactive content and engagement with an expected 2000 attendees.”

The online platform will include nine webinar sessions, four technology shootouts, nine roundtables, a matchmaking platform and an exclusive interview series with key stakeholders from the mining industry.

Some 30 sponsors and exhibitors will participate, proving that Nigeria's mining sector is becoming a key destination, not only for investment but for local and international industry suppliers of specialised services and technology.

The full programme and speakers can be viewed on the event website: https://www.nigeriaminingweek.com/digital-event

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Nigeria Governors Forum Support Synergy with States on Mining

Minister Olamilekan Adegbite, and Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, at the last National Council on Mining meeting.

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overnor of Ekiti State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has said an ad-hoc committee involving governors would be constituted to engage with the Federal Ministry of Mines

and Steel Development on all the issues involved in developing the solid mineral sector.

This was one of the outcomes of a presentation by the Minister of Mines and Steel Development to the National Economic Council in

November last year on the current relationship between the federal and state governments on fiscal governance of the solid mineral sector.

The presentation was also to seek the council's support on the need to respect the provisions of the constitution and the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act 2007 for improved synergy between the two tiers of government.

The minister also informed the council of his ministry's efforts to strengthen the cooperation between the three tiers of government on mining-related matters.

He stressed the need for greater synergy between the federal, states and local governments for the mineral and mining sector to achieve its full potential.

On community relationship, the minister recommended that there should be a full-time engagement of communities to avoid the mistakes made in the oil and gas sector.

Why Mining must remain on the Exclusive Legislative List – FG

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peaking in Lagos early this governors are discovering that year, the minister of Mines they have abundant mineral and Steel Development said deposits in their domain, and they that exploration of solid minerals must remain on the exclusive list “...we have been in the constitution to enable the reaching out to country to maximise its benefits. the governors to Arc. Adegbite said items on tell them to follow the exclusive list in the Nigerian the constitutional constitution could only be legislated upon by the federal provisions which government while the states are like in the case of allowed to make laws on those on oil and gas has the concurrent list.

The minister said the federal vested the control of solid minerals government was reaching out to in the hands of the states to create a win-win situation. the federal “With the focus on minerals, government.”

Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite 3

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want to take full advantage of the resources available. However, we have been reaching to the governors to tell them to follow the constitutional provisions which like in the case of oil and gas has vested the control of solid minerals in the hands of the federal government.

“The revenue on mineral resources comes to the federation account, and it is shared through FAAC. Also, there is now derivation on mineral revenue as well, and whatever is found in any jurisdiction, you get 13 per cent of that value, just like in the case of oil and gas.

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“So it's an ongoing process, and we are trying to sensitise the governors to cooperate with us.

Also, the federal government has allowed state governments to participate in mining through Special Purpose Vehicles, not as governments but as corporate bodies. So state governments are encouraged to form corporate bodies, and there are quite a number of them now, in fact, almost every state now has a company through which they carry out mining activities.

“These corporate bodies can approach the ministry to get the requisite licences for exploration

and of course, to do mining. They could partner with other people, and a few states are already doing that.”

“It's work-in-progress to get the federal government and state governments and even the local governments to work together,” he said. “ We don't want the situation where investors coming into Nigeria and given licences from the ministry as specified by the constitution only to meet another set of barriers imposed by state or local governments. This would be embarrassing and amount to chasing investors away from the country.”

Growth of Mining Sector Predicated on Partnership with all Stakeholders - Adegbite

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peaking recently on the relationship between the federal and state governments in a webinar, Arc. Adegbite explained that the success of the efforts to develop the mining sector is predicated on the synergy between all the arms of government.

He noted that although mining is on the exclusive list, the mineral deposits are located in the states

and the Federal Capital Territory, and it is therefore imperative for the two arms of government to work in partnership.

He said, “with states coming under pressure to boost their internally generated revenue, they are looking up to mining as a source of additional income. This is understandable, but we must be mindful of the exclusive constitutional power of the federal

government over mining in order not to erode investor confidence in Nigeria. We must abide by this provision until the constitution is amended.”

He further noted that the ministry and state governments have come up with several initiatives that would encourage sustained partnership for the development of the mineral value chain across the country.

Development of Mining Industry Must All Inclusive – Sanwo-Olu

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agos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has assured that an active collaboration between the federal and state governments would ensure a sustainable development of the mining sector.

The governor said this in December last year during a courtesy visit paid by the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Adegbite and the Minister of State for Mines and Steel

Development, Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah.

The governor said that this collaboration is targeted at ensuring growth and diversification of the nation's economy.

According to him: “As a nation, we need to continue to see how we develop the mining sector and it has to be an inclusive one. It also has to be a development process that truly reflects our Gov. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu

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federating state and the minister has assured me that it is an area in which they want to collaborate.”

Governor Sanwo-olu commended the team and assured them that his administration would ensure that there was full cooperation with the federal government for the benefit of the general public.

S p e a k i n g e a r l i e r, A r c .

Adegbite explained that the federal government was using the mining sector to increase job opportunities in the country.

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He lamented the neglect of the sector and stated that attention was gradually shifting to the mining sector.

He added that the team would visit all the states across Nigeria to enlighten them of the new development with Lagos being the first state to be visited.

He said: “We are here essentially in furtherance of the issues that arose from the NEC meeting that was held last week.

The potentials are in the mining industry to diversify the economy of Nigeria and create more employment.”

Adegbite stated that a committee has been set up to iron out the cases of overlapping between the federal government and the states.

He said that the committee would be headed by the Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

Dr Ogah seeks Partnership in Cross River State

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he Minister of State, Dr Uchechukwu Ogah in a recent visit to Cross River state said: “the federal government through the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development was seeking partnership with Cross River state so that a conducive atmosphere can be provided for the full exploitation of its mineral deposits which can bring a fortune to the state through Value Added Tax, employment generation and community development”.

He said Cross-River state had numerous mineral deposits and if fully exploited, the thirteen per cent derivation from the revenue generated would provide enough funds to cater to the development needs of the state.

Dr Ogah, who addressed stakeholders in the mining sector during a town hall meeting charged the state, local governments and communities to play by the rules and not to interfere in mining activities within their jurisdictions.

He explained that the federal government was forging a renewed synergy with state and local governments for the sustainable development of the mining sector.

In his remarks, the Governor of Cross River State, Prof Benedict

Middle: Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade and Minister of State Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah, at the Cross River Government House when the Minister visited the state.

2nd right: Minister of State, Dr. Uche Ogah, on a visit to Saturn Quarry Company in Awi-Akamkpa LGA of Cross River State.

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Ayade, stated that the minister's visit could not have come at a better time as the state was already looking at creating a new prosperity agenda based on the solid minerals available within its jurisdiction. He noted that “oil is the past and solid mineral is the future” for the country's economic growth.

Prof Ayade emphasised the need for synergy between all the tiers of government to fine-tune national mining policies for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders.

Also, at a stakeholders meeting in the state, the minister tasked

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operators to adhere to the country's mining regulations and ensure they pay accurate royalties to the federation account.

Dr Ogah also charged that conflicts between communities and operators should be resolved through the appropriate mechanism. He noted that “no community has the right to stop mining activities in any state” and therefore called for collaboration between the federal mines officers, state commissioners of solid minerals development, community leaders and the Committees on

State Mineral Resources and Environmental Management (MIREMCO).

The minister also undertook the facility tour of the Lafarge Cement plant in Calabar, Saturn Quarry Company and Mark-Sino Blocks in Awi-Akamkpa, Local Government Area in Cross River State.

He charged the operators to conduct their activities responsibly and protect the interest of their host communities by complying with all necessary development agreements and environmental protection guidelines.

Oyo State Seeks Partnership with FG on Gemstone Market

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peaking further on the need for synergy between the states and the federal government, Arc. Adegbite during his recent visit to Oyo state told Governor Seyi Makinde that he was in the state to spread the gospel on how the mineral resources of the country can be harnessed for economic diversification and sustainable development.

He said: “We are in Oyo state essentially to spread the gospel of mining as we are doing all over Nigeria. President Buhari, since assumption of office, has tried so much to diversify the economy, especially through mining and agricultural sectors. We have relied so much on oil and gas, and whenever oil prices crash in the international market, Nigeria catches a cold. Our economy is unstable, and the efforts to diversify it through mining and agricultural sector must be strongly supported and encouraged by all stakeholders. Happily, these efforts have started yielding results.

“We are in Oyo State to create more awareness and to let people know more about what we are doing in the sector. We have a good relationship with the Oyo state

L-R: Governor, Oyo State, Seyi Makinde and Minister, Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite, on his visit to Oyo State.

government, particularly the current government. I have received delegations from the state in my office, and they have talked extensively on mining in Oyo state, especially the gemstone market.”

The minister explained that although the primary focus of the federal government is on mineral exploration and exploitation, efforts are being made to ensure that mineral markets are properly regulated with the establishment of formal buying centres.

“Our focus primarily is on minerals and not the gemstones.

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But now, we are beginning to organise the sector, and we will make sure that we regulate the gemstones market. Ibadan and Abeokuta were in competition, but I have been convinced to select the market in Ibadan. The market exists already, but all we need is to develop a fund and organise the market so that people can derive value for what they have laboured for. The government can realise revenue from this market in terms of royalty and everybody will be happy about it. This is part of what we are doing

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and proclaiming all over the country,” Adegbite said.

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, while receiving the minister called on the federal government to site the hub of the nation's gemstone market in the state in order to boost the mining

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industry in the state.

He said: “We do have some aspirations which I think we can collaborate on especially the gemstone market. It is informal right now, but we want to formalise it. Here, we are putting up a number of projects that we think

would support the mining industry, especially in the aspect of the expansion of Ibadan airport. Ibadan used to be a regional capital, and we have a fairly developed infrastructure. I think you should just give the gemstone market to us,” the governor requested.

Benue Committed to Mineral Resources Development – Gov. Ortom

Governor, Benue State, Samuel Ortom and Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah during the minister’s visit to Benue State.

Gov. Ortom advocated for collaboration between the federal and state governments in mineral exploration and the issuing of mining licences to operators.

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s state governments strive to develop the mineral resources within their jurisdiction to earn more revenue, generate employment and create sources of livelihood for their people, Benue state Governor, Samuel Ortom, has said the state was committed to working in partnership with the federal government to ensure the sustainable development of the mining sector.

The Governor said this when the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr Uchechukwu Ogah visited the state.

Governor Ortom advocated for collaboration between the federal and state governments in mineral exploration and the issuing of mining licences to operators.

He also stated that Benue state government would readily take advantage of any opportunity to create jobs and put “smiles on the faces of Benue people.”

He commended the ministry for its prompt response in coming to inspect and find a possible solution to the plight of people in communities where mining activities have polluted their source water supply.

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Dr Ogah, in his remarks, said there was the need for the ministry to visit the state in order to acquaint the government and people of the state on the vision and policy focus of the federal government on the development of the nation's mineral resources.

The minister further disclosed that he came to the state to solicit the support and cooperation of the government in the plan to develop the huge deposits of barite, coal, limestone, lead, zinc and other strategic minerals within the area.

“The objective is to sensitise mining operators and stakeholders on the need to conduct their mining operations in a safe, efficient, orderly and environmentally friendly manner consistent with the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, for the mutual economic benefits of operators, host communities, states and the federal government.”

He urged the state to support the programmes of the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) as it would enhance revenue generation from mining operations.

During an interactive session with stakeholders, the minister also spoke on the federal government's plan to revive the mining of barites in the country and the commitment to provide the necessary support for the exploration and development of strategic minerals across the country.

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Nasarawa to Sustain Partnership with FG to Develop Mineral Resources Photo: @DreyMide

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overnor of Nasarawa State, Alhaji Abdullahi Sule, has said he would sustain the existing cordial relationship with the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development to accelerate the development of the solid minerals potential of the state.

Governor Sule stated this during the visit of the Minister, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite, to the state to promote synergy on the development of mining.

He assured the minister that the state would allow the federal government to exercise its constitutional control over the mineral resources in the state as the government would benefit from the 13 per cent derivation policy on mineral revenue.

The minister in his remarks advised: “Mining is on the

Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule and Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite, Minister of Mines and Steel Development

exclusive list which means it is under the purview of the federal government, but at the same time we encourage the state governments to participate.''

Arc. Adegbite explained that more focused efforts would be

made by the ministry to synergise with state governments to ensure that mining was done in the right way to make it more beneficial to the miners, local, states and the federal government.

Bauchi Advocates Intervention Fund for Miners

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auchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has advocated for a robust funding mechanism from the federal government to enable genuine miners to have access to intervention funds.

He said, giving financial assistance to genuine miners would go a long way to discourage illegal mining in the country.

Governor Mohammed stated this when he received the Minister of State, Dr Ogah, who was in the state on a mission to canvass for synergy with the state government and other stakeholders in the mining industry.

The Governor said: “We acknowledge your passion, energy, drive and determination to make

Governor, Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed and Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah during the minister’s visit to Bauchi State.

sure you leave the mining sector better than you met it. We have abundant mineral resources in Bauchi that if well harnessed through the support of the federal 8

government, can sustain the nation.”

According to Senator Muhammed, the state government was working towards creating some value chains around many mining

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opportunities in the state so as to increase its revenue generation capacity.

He added that despite the abundant natural resources in Bauchi state, the federal government was not benefiting from the revenue being generated because of the activities of illegal miners. He advocated for community engagement to address the situation.

The governor said his administration is ready to work with the ministry to provide a level playing ground for genuine investors whose activities would be beneficial to all stakeholders.

The visiting Minister of State said he was in Bauchi to sensitise all stakeholders to the numerous benefits that will accrue from safe

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and orderly mining activities.

He explained that ministry was seeking deeper partnership with Bauchi state to ensure efficient and effective mining activities that will stimulate the growth of the economy and provide an alternative source of revenue for the federal government.

He charged operators in the state to abide by mining guidelines and pay the royalties due to the federal government to support the development of the sector.

He noted that the state should take advantage of the federal government's 13% derivation policy on mining revenue by supporting the development of its abundant mineral deposits.

Dr Ogah called for the cooperation of the state

government in the effort to check illegal mining and banditry in mining communities.

He assured the governor of the ministry's continuous support to ensure sustainable and safe mining operations in the state.

In a related development, the minister visited the District Head of Rishi in Toro Local Government Area of the state and some mining factories in the community. He called on the communities and operators to ensure their relationship remained cordial.

The District Head of Rishi, Alh. Abdulaziz Umar Zaku disclosed that the town has a history of mining dating back to 1929 and that the community has many resources, including red and white zinc among others.

Kwara Calls for FG Support to Develop Mineral Deposits

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eputy Governor of Kwara State, Mr Kayode Alabi, has called on the federal government to help identify and support the development of the mineral resources in the state. He made the call when the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arch Adegbite, visited him in his office while on a tour of the state.

He noted that while Kwara state had a lot of unidentified mineral resources, those identified were being mined illegally and called on the federal government to intervene and stop the illegal operations.

The minister who was on a working visit to KAM Steel Integrated Factory in Ilorin tasked local investors to invest in the steel sector to fast-track the nation's path to industrialisation.

Adegbite commended the Chief Executive of Kam Holding, Alhaji Kamorudeen Yusuf, for the investment of over 40 Billion Naira in the steel sector. He noted that the

L-R: Kwara state SSG, Prof Mamman Jibril, the Deputy Governor, Mr. Lekan Alabi, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite and Alhaji Kamorudeen Yusuf.

investment had created over 4,000 jobs and helped in conserving the nation's foreign exchange.

Alhaji Yusuf in his address said the government should continue to strive towards the diversification of the economy and noted that �there was the need to pay more attention to the iron and steel sector because of the diverse economic benefits. We should look inward 9

and harness our potentials as a nation, the closure of the country's land borders should be replicated at our sea borders, the seaports are still porous, and the Nigerian market is flooded with substandard steel products such as roofing sheets.�

KAM Industries Limited is an indigenous manufacturing company that used to be the biggest buyer of wire rod coils from Ajaokuta Steel

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Company Limited. KAM specialises in the production of the cold roll, steel coil, nails, binding wires and galvanising and colour roofing sheets.

The company also manufactures British Standard Reinforcement Concrete mesh wire, binding wire, bale tiles, drawn wire, and straightening wires, among others.

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“... Kwara state had a lot of unidentified mineral resources, but those identified were being mined illegally and called on the federal government to intervene and stop the illegal operations.�

Development of Mineral Resources Our Priority – Taraba Governor

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araba State Governor, Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku has said mineral resources development was a critical area of focus for his administration and that was why he created a ministry of mineral resources in the state to maximise the benefits of its abundant mining potentials.

The governor who said this during a courtesy visit on the minister of Mines and Steel Development in his office called for urgent action by the federal government to check the activities of illegal miners so that both the federal and state governments can enjoy the full benefits of the mineral deposits in the country.

Arc. Ishaku lamented over the huge financial losses being suffered by the states and the federal government due to the activities of illegal miners.

He noted that it was regrettable that illegal miners were smiling to the banks every day while both the federal and state governments were losing huge sums of money.

The governor said he was on the visit to the ministry to know what his administration was doing right or wrong in the implementation of its policy on mineral resources development. He noted that with the visit, he had gained some useful insight into the

Minister Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite and Governor of Taraba State, Arc. Darius Ishaku.

federal government's policies and programmes.

Speaking during the visit, the minister urged all the state governors to emulate Gov Ishaku by seeking to update their knowledge on the developments in the country's mining sector.

He urged state governments to develop a database on the sector and to also be guided by the federal government's rich stock of data on the minerals sector.

The minister, however, urged operators in the minerals and metals sector to operate within the guidelines of the mining act.

Adegbite noted that Taraba state was one of the states in the country that was richly endowed 10

with abundant mineral resources, particularly gemstone, which is a veritable source of revenue generation.

He advised the governor to ensure that mining companies operating in the state followed the laid down procedures that included obtaining operational mining licenses as well as payment of royalties to the federal government.

Arc. Adegbite commended the governor for his visit to the ministry to seek clarification on the development in the sector and to know exactly what Taraba state is doing right or wrong in mineral exploration.

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SPECIAL REPORT

Cont’d from cover page

FG Accelerates Measures to Encourage Downstream Investment economy reopened, the development of the mining sector should be prioritised with the objective of shared prosperity for all stakeholders, increasing investment opportunities, minimising import dependency and increasing contribution to the GDP. The webinar was the first in a series in the run-up to the annual Nigeria Mining Week that would be taking place virtually from 12-16 October this year.

Minister Adegbite at KAM Iron and Steel Factory, Ilorin Kwara State

Our Target is to Stop Exportation of Raw Minerals - Adegbite

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inister, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Arc Olamilekan Adegbite, in his opening remarks at the webinar said, as the “COVID-19 pandemic restricts movement across borders, we need to accelerate our plans for economic diversification, employment and revenue generation for the country.”

He explained that work had been ongoing on the downstream policy for the sector and having gone through stakeholders engagement, the ministry is

Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite Minister of Mines and Steel Development

waiting for the final approval from the Federal Executive Council.

“The policy strengthens the regime for beneficiation locally. The target is to stop exportation of raw minerals from Nigeria. To achieve this goal, the government is providing infrastructure to encourage investors to come into Nigeria to participate in the downstream sector. The government will provide roads, rail and water transportation infrastructure and at the same time provide energy at certain clusters, which have been created for this purpose.”

Government is set to increase mining contribution to GDP – Ogah

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inister of State, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Uchechukwu Ogah, in the closing address at the webinar said the ministry has a special mandate to contribute substantially to the diversification of the economy, industrialisation, poverty reduction and job creation.

He also noted that the ministry, as part of its mandate was “to ensure that there is value

addition to all minerals for export.

We are actively focusing on many policy initiatives. These include the development of key strategic minerals such as gold, barite, coal, lead, zinc, iron, bitumen and limestone. We are also currently working on the formalisation of artisanal and small-scale miners.

These initiatives can boost the ministry's target contribution to the nation's GDP.”

Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development

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Development of Downstream Sector will Rebuild the Economy – Kankara

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he President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Alhaji Kabir Mohammed Kankara, said the COVID-19 pandemic had taught this generation that only the necessities of life are essential for human existence and wellbeing.

He explained: “The role of mining in providing these necessities cannot be overemphasised. Besides the provision of jobs and generation of revenue for the government, mineral products are essential ingredients in construction, food,

pharmaceutical and other industrial activities. Therefore, developing downstream opportunities in the sector will also help to rebuild the entire nation and grow the GDP.” Alhaji Kankara further noted that “if there is any benefit offered by this global pandemic, it is the window of opportunity to commence the systemic review and implementation of pragmatic policies and programmes that were formulated over the years but abandoned. The mining sector had the potential to take Nigeria out of the woods as a mono-economy.”

Alhaji Kabir Mohammed Kankara President of the Miners Association of Nigeria.

Government Should Increase Taxes on Export of Raw Minerals – Aburime-Shine

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nother speaker, Josephine Aburime-Shine, of Emotan Global Ventures, suggested that the “ government should discourage the export of raw materials by increasing taxes. We have become famous for exporting our raw materials at low prices and then importing them again into the country at very high costs after they have been processed.”

She further recounted her experience in the industry: “When I started exploring this industry, I wondered why Nigeria was not showing up as a centre for gemstones especially as I became more aware of all the metals and minerals that are actually here and are being exported. Using Thailand as an example, the Nigerian government should discourage the export of raw materials by increasing taxes while reducing the taxes on processed materials.”

During the discussions, the CEO Emotan Global also spoke on

“We need to take charge of what we have and take full advantage of how processing can affect the value of our raw materials.

Sometimes the simple act of washing precious stones can make a huge difference and change the value of the product.” the issue of quality control, testing and technology as they relate to downstream activities: “A lot of equipment has been imported, and they are not always affordable for our local miners. In this circumstance, we have to come up with our solutions. We were making jewellery centuries ago, and gold is not a new material for Africans. We need to find our testing solutions from our scientists.”

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She continued: “We need to take charge of what we have and take full advantage of how processing can affect the value of our raw materials.

Sometimes the simple act of washing precious stones can make a huge difference and change the value of the product. We are losing a lot of revenue because we are exporting our minerals in very raw forms. We are not carrying out any form of separation or processing.

We can train the locals to sort the stones out and classify them into various categories, and this activity will make a huge difference.”

She concluded that we must change the ways things are done in the mining industry to harness the vast potentials available: “These are all the things that we need to understand if we want to change this industry. I encourage my local miners because I believe that the artisanal miners have kept the Nigerian mining industry going.

These people work so hard, and it sometimes saddens me that they get

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the least benefit from their hard work and labour.”

“Building a Buy Nigerian Brand” PwC's Mary Iwelumo said: “The result of the lack of beneficiation means that a lot of money leaves the country and to build a Buy Nigerian Brand, you have to give value to your raw materials and it has to make commercial sense. So, we have to consider what would encourage people to spend their money on a

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Nigerian? Quality, exit options, after-sales service, and trusted second-hand value.”

“In terms of branding our product, I just know that the brand value associated with any item comes with time. So, this is not a sprint, and it is something that we need to focus on, we need to be diligent and dogged. Nigerians are known to be resourceful and produce results.” Ms Iwelumo also emphasised that the COVID-19

pandemic had created an opportunity for the Nigerian mining sector: “We're in a pandemic, we're in a crisis. The jig will be on us if we do not take advantage of the opportunity the pandemic has opened up.”

“COVID-19 is a crisis beyond the healthcare space. It has levelled the market playing field, everyone is dealing with similar issues, and our indigenous players can take advantage of that.”

There Are Some Good Signs - Turvey

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avid Turvey, Managing Director of Kogi Iron, said: “Kogi Iron is in the thick of the value-added chain business. We have planned an iron ore processor, and we are looking at building a steel plant. The steel plant is directed towards replacing imports of steel into the country. It is a significant project. It is not an export project but to service and help the industrialisation of Nigeria.”

Mr. Turvey advised on the critical steps that would encourage investment in the downstream subsector: “It does relate to attractive and efficient policies.

Also, important is the security of tenure. Assets are very important.

Effective and available infrastructure is critical in any

value-added processing because it does reflect on the cost structure of the overall business of the mining industry.”

He further noted: “The one important thing that is often missed is really the quality control and quality assurance systems. You need this right from the exploration through to the mining and the beneficiation stages to enable you to get a quality product when you do the value-adding. Unless you have that value chain all the way through, you will never produce at a quality level.”

He noted with optimism that the country is on the right track: “Nigeria is in its early stages, but there are some good signs. There is political stability, there is the will, and some of the administrative and

Mr. David Turvey, MD Kogi Iron.

data systems have been improved.

Where it needs to go now is to ensure that those data systems were applied and focused on minerals that are critical for the country internally and also critical to beneficiate for export dollars.”

Government is Triggering the Mining Industry Value Chain -DG NGSA “The government's position on the downstream sector is enshrined clearly in the Roadmap for the Growth and Development of the Nigerian Mining Industry. It is stated unambiguously that there is the need for us to encourage the beneficiation of our mineral

products,”the Director-General, Nigeria Geological Survey Agency, Dr Garba Abdulrasaq, said.

He explained: “We need to develop our minerals and use them to create employment, generate revenue and also to encourage 13

downstream and sidestream development. Also, we require sustainable activities in building the downstream sector through the development of local industries.

What this connotes is the interdependence of the mining ecosystem. All the subsectors are

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interrelated. The development of the upstream, midstream, downstream and sidestream subsectors are all needed for the survival of the industry. The ministry is triggering the industry value chain by identifying, locating and exploring the country's minerals to determine their quantity and quality, and this is pivotal for any mineral value chain. So, the government, apart from trying to institute policies, is also driving the development of some of these minerals to support the system.�

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“We need to develop our minerals and use them to create employment, generate revenue and also to encourage downstream and sidestream development.

Also, we require sustainable activities in building the downstream sector through the development of local industries.

What this connotes is the interdependence of the mining ecosystem.�

Dr. Garba Abdulrasaq Director-General, Nigeria Geological Survey Agency.

Agbaja Steel Project A Model in Downstream Mining Industry

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n recent policy actions, the federal government has given priority attention to the development of viable downstream industries in the Nigerian mining sector. In December last year, the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development organised the firstever workshop on downstream mineral chain policy in collaboration with the Lagos Business School and the World Bank assisted MinDiver Project.

The workshop recorded a milestone in charting out a roadmap for the development of downstream industries that will focus on value addition processes to the Nigerian mineral value chain.

The minister, Arc Olamilekan Adegbite, in his keynote address at the workshop said the federal government was determined to ensure the rapid growth of the downstream sector. "Our policy strategy is to foster sustainable mineral development aimed at both Iocal and international effects, and you can never facilitating and promoting value markets. We do know that value industrialise a nation without addition to our mineral products for addition has spiral and multiplier harnessing the potentials of the 10 14

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downstream section of the solid minerals value chain."

Arc. Adegbite added that Nigeria had been unwittingly exporting its raw mineral resources without determining their real value and the employment opportunities they can generate through value addition processes within the country. "We are ready to change this narrative. We are resolved to enact policies that will help develop downstream industries that would add value to our mineral resources through beneficiation, smelting and refining. It is expected that a draft of clear policies that are implementable and enforceable would be developed at the end of this workshop. We are willing to give good incentives to investors that would meet our mineral downstream development targets.�

The demonstration of interest and support of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development for the Agbaja Steel Project is entirely in consonance with the vision of the government for the sector. The minister further explained: "The Nigerian Mineral Value Chain Policy has been designed to stimulate investors, particularly big and medium players to invest in Nigeria's downstream mineral chain by empowering them to set up mineral processing plants."

Kogi Iron Limited is an Australian Stock Exchange-listed company with the objective of becoming an African iron ore and steel producer through the development of its 100% owned Agbaja Iron Ore and Steel Project located in Kogi State. Nigeria has substantial domestic demand for steel products, which is currently met mainly through imports. The Agbaja project, located about 200 kilometres south of the Nigerian capital Abuja, opens the opportunity for domestic production of pig iron products.

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Agbaja Water Project.

The company holds a land position which covers a large part of the Agbaja Plateau in Kogi state.

The Agbaja Plateau hosts an extensive, shallow, flat-lying channel iron deposit with an indicated and inferred mineral resource of 586 million tonnes with an in-situ iron grade of 41.3% reported in accordance with the JORC Code (2012), the Australasian Code for reporting exploration results, mineral resources and ore reserves. The target of the company is to be the first producer of steel in Nigeria.

With a projected annual capacity of 720,000 tonnes of billet.

Nigeria needs a vibrant iron and steel sector with strong participation from private investors. According to 2018 International Trade Center report, Nigeria with a proven reserve estimate of over 2,543 million metric tonnes of iron ore deposit, is a net importer of steel with a negative trade balance of $1.27 Billion. Today, Nigeria produces only 0.11% of the total global steel output, which is less than 2 million metric tonnes but imports 5 million tonnes annually. Over 95% of the current steel production in Nigeria is from melting scrap metal.

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The determination of the federal government to complete the long-abandoned Ajaokuta Steel Project is a landmark decision that has rekindled the hope for the accelerated industrialisation of the country. The completion of this project and the emergence of other private sector steel programmes will reverse the complete dependence on imported steel.

The Agbaja Steel Project has a total production target of 750,000 tonnes of steel billet per year when completed. Since 2016, the company has advanced its intention to develop an integrated steel plant utilising the company leased iron ore deposit and nearby coal and limestone sources. The results of a laboratory-scale test on the iron ore demonstrated that it could be converted to a steel feedstock suitable for electric arc furnaces. In November 2017, the company commenced a pilot plant test program on a large bulk sample to demonstrate the process in a continuous batch mode.

Successful completion of this extensive testwork in September 2018 confirmed the feasibility of producing a marketable cast steel product together with the development of a flowsheet for the processing of Agbaja iron ore into cast steel suitable for billet making.

Also, in October 2018, the company announced the successful outcome of its coal test work program to prove the viability of producing a suitable metalised product using domestic coal sources for the Agbaja Cast Steel Project. The sources of coal used in the testwork program are located within 70 kilometres of the Agbaja project and have the capacity to supply 100% of the project needs.

The Managing Director of Kogi Iron, David Turvey, spoke on the vision and the work done so far on the project. "The Agbaja Cast Steel

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Project is designed, planned and envisioned to replace the imports of steel and intermediate steel and help support the growth of the domestic steel fabricating industry.

The company has existed over the past six years engaged in technical work on the discovery and evaluation of a large iron ore resource in the Lokoja area of Kogi state on the Agbaja plateau. The activities so far have involved a lot of drilling, sampling, chemical analysis and technical test work.

The company has defined more than 400 million tonnes of well quantified and qualified iron ore at 45% iron content to the standard of the Australian JORC Code indicated and inferred resource classification. A well-quantified resource is what is required for any project to receive appropriate funding - we can call it internationally bankable if you like.

That's very important for Nigeria in order to develop professional systems that can be banked and financed appropriately.”

He further explained the viability of the project concept: "In the last two years, we took an approximately 200-tonne sample of iron ore along with local coal and local limestone to South Africa and completed steel test work at a laboratory bench scale. Highly professional consulting groups produced international quality steel from the Nigerian raw materials, and that was proof of concept."

He also noted that an extensive market survey had been conducted within the country for the steel product. "We have introduced ourselves to the market because we are not going to produce final steel products, rather we intend to produce intermediate steel billets that will replace the steel scrap.

Rather than the industry using steel scrap at a very high price, we will provide our billets for existing customers that melt steel scrap and

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"The company has established strong dialogue and working relationships with the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.

This bode well for ongoing government support in progressing our Agbaja Project as the first private iron ore and integrated steel producer in Nigeria.” produce steel products such as rebar and I-bar shapes. We want to help them to grow, and it is an important part of our business strategy and vision."

Before the coronavirus pandemic, Mr Turvey unveiled a timeline for the project: "This year 2020, we are funding and conducting a feasibility study to a level that will be public and, more importantly, it can be audited and due diligence done by interested investors. Study results will be released so that potential investors can review the information and decide whether it is a good project or not. The report will include relationships and benefits for the community, government policy, markets, infrastructure and a financial model. Our team and consultants will be busy this year, and the truth is, it will take four to five years before any steel can be produced. The feasibility study will take some 10 to 14 months to complete, followed by due diligence by both equity and debt investors over 4 - 6 months to support project financing before two years construction period and six months commissioning. A long process, though that's the vision.”

This ambitious timely has been gravely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the company news updates, travel restrictions have restrained 16

‘face to face’ interaction with government, contractors, consultants, potential equity investors and finance groups.

However, the managing director was optimistic about the goal of the project: "Despite difficulties of COVID-19, we have retained the interest and support of the local community and the Nigerian government to progress the feasibility study on the Agbaja Cast Steel Project.”

The company has remained focused on the project site. Last month, the company re-started the excavation of a small-scale trial iron ore mining pit using a local contractor. The trial iron ore mining and subsequent studies were to provide key inputs for the feasibility study.

Besides, the company has planned to evaluate the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) impacts, benefits and local business opportunities from its mining and processing activities. The evaluation will also include water and tailings management, building and road materials as well as horticulture and agronomy.

Mr Turvey explained that the evaluation of local business opportunities and benefits for the local communities would complement their current application to the World Bank assisted MinDiver Project funding.

He assured that the company's commitment to professional mining' best practice' is closely aligned with our Community Development Agreement (CDA), Mr Turvey further said: "The Company is committed and well placed to provide tangible ESG and economic benefits to the community from the sustainable development of downstream mining industry.”

On the way forward, given the challenges of the pandemic, the managing director said: "The Scope

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SPECIAL REPORT

of work for the feasibility study has · Progress relationships and been revised to concentrate on formalise agreements with critical path decisions and key the Ministry of Mines and project drivers in the near-term and Steel Development and to preserve cash balance pending MinDiver Project. full funding. Our focus on critical · Focus work, decisions and path 'value drivers' of the feasibility outcomes on key project study will fast track progress on the value drivers.

Agbaja Steel Project. These drivers are technical viability (phosphorus · Focus on the ongoing removal via conventional refining), support of community and cost of gas and power supply, and ESG initiatives, especially market entry policies." relative to COVID-19 issues.

According to Mr Turvey, the On the support from the key activities ahead of the project include: Nigerian government, Mr Turvey said: "The company has established · Staged fundraising to support the feasibility study. strong dialogue and working

relationships with the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development. This bode well for ongoing government support in progressing our Agbaja Project as the first private iron ore and integrated steel producer in Nigeria".

The Chairman of Kogi Iron Limited, Greg Boulton, spoke on the challenges ahead: "COVID-19 remains a significant issue and limitation on international business.

The board sees the ongoing d i ff i c u l t i e s , t h o u g h r e m a i n s confident we have valid policy directions and committed people to progress and grow our business."

NEWS

Minister tasks Staff on Productivity at Book Launch

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he Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arch.

Olamilekan Adegbite, has tasked staff of the ministry to make concerted efforts to help achieve the mandate of Mr President to use the mining sector as one of the critical platforms for the diversification of the nation's economy.

Mr. Adegbite stated this in Abuja at the presentation of a book written by a staff of the ministry, Mr Deinsam Ogan, and titled “Fundamentals for exploring the mining sector.”

According to the minister, it has become necessary for staff to intensity efforts towards improving the mining sector as he described mining as a key to the development of other sectors.

The Minister commended the author of the book, Mr. Ogan, who is the technical assistant to the permanent secretary of the ministry.

“Having your ideas put on paper to come out with a book that is aimed at enhancing the knowledge about the sector in this way is a bold step that must be commended. I recommend the

Minister and Minister of State receiving the book from the author, Deinsam Ogan.

book for everyone who has mining at heart,” he said.

Minister of State, Dr Uchechukwu Ogah, who congratulated the author said the book wouldn't have come at a better time than now that government is in the process of diversifying the economy away from oil through the mining sector.

Speaking to newsmen after the presentation, Mr. Ogan said, “The book has been crafted in the way that it will attract investors, especially from the international community; that is why it is online for any one to download freely.”

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Kano Re-enacts Ancient Trade Memories with Gold Durbar

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igeria's gold ecosystem recorded another landmark in August with the launch of Kano Gold Dubar.

The event was organised as a curtailed indoor market fiesta to promote the sale of locally designed and produced gold jewellery. The exotic products displayed at the fiesta were all made from Nigeria's locally mined gold.

The colourful opening event which was held at Ado Bayero Mall in the ancient city of Kano was organised by Kian Smith, a gold exploration, mining and processing company and other stakeholders.

The gold fiesta was a reenactment of the ancient trade in the precious metal in the city.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arch Olamilekan Adegbite, explained that the programme was designed as a private sector initiative to celebrate the city of Kano as an important trade hub in gold jewellery and other ornaments in the West African sub-region.

He said: “In Kano, the Sabon Gari market is the first place where brokers, mostly women, received more than 2,000 distinctive visitors daily from across Africa and conduct conventional business in precious stones.”

“With one of the largest economies and population in Africa, Nigeria is a top contender as the largest emerging market for luxury goods in Africa, especially for gold.”

He noted that the federal government was committed to making the country a major gold producing hub in the sub-region

Display of Gold design on a model at the Durbar.

Arc. Adegbite at the Durbar.

and commended the organisers of the event their initiative and commitment to the development of the country's gold resource.

He said the Kano Gold Durbar was a step in the right direction as it will showcase Nigeria's potential in gold jewellery making.

He further explained: “What we are doing here today is to 18

witness the conversion of our gold in its raw form into derivatives like jewellery, trinkets, ornaments and more. Also, the federal government is planning to train people in the art of jewellery making. The programme will last for nine months, and we are in the process of selecting people to be trained.

Those to be trained would also later train other Nigerians. We are trying to create a gold ecosystem that

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would transcend the bullion and include jewellery making and trade. I think we are in the right direction.”

He expressed optimism that the journey towards economic diversification using the minerals sector had begun. “Oil and gas had dominated the economy, and a lot of people did not talk about other assets that Nigeria has. This market has operated below the radar and what the government is doing now is to give recognition to these people, enhance their productivity and at the same time ensure they pay what is due to the government.”

He said the bullion gold initiative was a game-changer.

“We've done the gold bullion, which is essentially to shore up the foreign reserve of CBN, that's one aspect of it. Kano had been an important trade centre from the historical times, and that's why we are starting from Kano and giving recognition and encouragement to this important event.

The minister reemphasised that after decades of overdependence on oil as Nigeria's major revenue earner, it's now time to shift attention to other strategic resources, especially gold with its stable value as a global asset.

Also speaking at the launch, the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Nasiru Gawuna, advocated that there was the need for active collaboration between the federal and the state governments in the new effort to harness the gold resource spread across the country effectively.

“It is on this note, I commend the federal government for setting up the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Development Initiative (PAGMI). It was interesting to learn that the programme has the capacity to generate about 250,000 jobs within the country,” he said.

NEWS

The Minister at the Durbar.

The deputy governor disclosed that the Kano state government had established the office of the special adviser on solid minerals to encourage mining and mineral-related businesses in the state.

He expressed optimism that Kano was the right place to hold such an important programme, and he assured the participants of the support of the state government.

At the event, the Kano state government was presented with a gold bar that was mined, processed and crafted by Kian Smith.

The Managing Director of K a i n S m i t h , N e r e Te r i b a , advocated for urgent support for the development of the gold resource of the country following the rising value of the metal in the international market.

She said: “The world is capitalising on gold and we are losing, and so those of us in this market decided that it was time to stop losing.”

“Gold hitting $2000 per ounce is a legendary benchmark, and now we are there and have passed it. It is so significant for us as a region that has gold to enhance the 19

sector. Everyone now is going gold even with digital currencies, and we as major stakeholders in the gold sector had to get in on that.”

Also at the event, the leader of the stakeholders initiative in Kano, Magajin Garin Kano, Alhaji Nasiru Inuwa Wada, called on the federal and state governments to create a synergy between gold miners, mineral titleholders and all the people involved in the gold value chain to give room for more peaceful and productive activities.

“Nigeria, as a country, should be able to certify its gold and sell it anywhere in the world as Nigerian certified gold. This is the right time to create a sustainable gold economy in Nigeria,” he advised.

Nigeria's gold economy has grown rapidly within the last one year. The federal government's commitment to the economic diversification programme using the mining sector as one of the critical platforms had brought about unprecedented support for the industry.

In March, the construction of the first large-scale gold mining project in Osun state was flaggedo ff b y S e g i l o l a R e s o u r c e s Operating Limited. The move had seen the birth of a gold mining project with over $87 million capital investment profile.

In June, Nigeria opened another frontier with the launch of the Dukia Gold Refinery. In July, the federal government took another bold and historic step with the launch of the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Development I n i t i a t i v e ( PA G M I ) a t t h e Presidential Villa. At the occasion, the President, Muhammadu Buhari, received Nigeria's first locally processed gold bar.

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BACK PAGE NEWS

FG Charge Mining Companies to Comply with Environmental Regulations As 17 Communities Affected by Water Pollution

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he Federal Government has charged mining operators nationwide to comply strictly with environmental and safety regulations to protect host communities and the environment.

Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, Dr Uchechukwu Ogah, gave the warning when he visited Okpokwu and Owukpa in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue state following reports on the pollution of the water source of the communities by Minister of State Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah (r) at the polluted stream companies mining coal in the area.

H e s t r e s s e d t h a t m i n i n g in Benue State. companies would be compelled to The minister emphasised the need Chief Emmanuel, said the follow strict environmental and for synergy between the ministry, pollution of the water source had rehabilitation codes that would ensure states, local government and mining affected about 17 villages since May that mined areas were returned to their firms for peaceful operations noting this year. o r i g i n a l s t a t e , i n c l u d i n g t h e that the “the ministry would not allow He said the communities sent a implementation of reclamation plans. petition to the mining company any miner to cheat host community.�

He noted that the government informing them about the pollution and Dr Ogah, who paid a courtesy would not hesitate to apply sanctions they sent representatives to collect should mining operators resort to visit on the paramount ruler of samples of the water to ascertain the Edumoga kingdom, Chief Ojo source of pollution, but no feedback has cheating host communities.

He charged the coal mining Emmanuel, said his visit was to access reached the communities. companies in the area to dialogue with the problem of water pollution in the The chief appealed to the minister affected communities for a peaceful area which was caused by mining to compel the companies to provide resolution and good relationship. companies in the area. boreholes for the affected villages.

Akinlade takes over from Akpan as Permanent Secretary MMSD

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r. Oluwatoyin Akinlade has taken over at Ministry of Mines and Steel Development as the Permanent Secretary from her predecessor, Mr Edet Akpan, who has been posted to Ministry of Science and Technology.

Speaking at the official takingover ceremony which took place at the ministry 's conference room, Dr. Akinlade stated that the mandate of Ministry of Mines and Steel Development was very clear and work to accomplish it is daunting but noted that with the good foundation laid by her predecessor , team work and cooperation, it can be achieved. “I am confident with what I have heard, with your support and cooperation, we build on the good foundation laid to move the ministry higher.''

Dr. Akinlade noted that she was aware that the ministry was blessed with focussed and diligent leadership, and with the crop of professionals and service staff, the mandate of the ministry will be accomplished.

Earlier, Mr. Akpan expressed gratitude to the ministers, directors and heads of agencies under In-coming Permanent Secretary, Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade (L), receiving handing-over notes from Out-going Permanent the ministry for their Secretary, Mr. Edet Akpan support and cooperation in achieving the successes recorded. potentials of Nigeria, the country would He said the mining sector had the in no distant time become one of the potential to take over from the oil greatest mining nations in the world. sector in revenue earning but noted He enjoined the directors and other that team work was required to staff of the ministry to accord the new accomplish the mandate of the permanent secretary same support and ministry. He explained that mineral cooperation they had extended to him.