09 July 2013, Lagos – The National President, Miners Association of Nigeria, MAN, Alhaji Shehu Sani, has called for increased monitoring and regulation of mining activities within the country to help reduce the negative impact of mining on the environment.
He stated this while delivering a keynote address during a one day symposium to mark this year’s National Miners day in Ibadan.
He said, “We are using this opportunity of the World Earth Day to sensitise Nigerian miners to mine responsibly. The world earth day was set aside by the United Nations to demonstrate support for environmental protection world wide.”
He also noted that, “the association is now a national industry association and critical stakeholder in the mining industry. It is into mutual understanding with the ministry of mines and steel development and other relevant agencies to promote and protect the interest of her members and complement government’s effort to reinvigorate the mining industry in Nigeria.”
He said the association has in the past few years accomplished a lot for the growth of the industry, noting that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Orca Oil and Gas, UK, for sourcing and supply of base metals from Nigeria.
It has also activated and strengthened collaboration with development outfits like the Nigerian Export Import Bank, NEXIM and captured the major operators in the sector. He noted that the Association participated in the draft committee of mining regulation, committee on mining working capital for applying for mining licences and board membership, especially the establishment of the solid minerals development fund.
Also speaking, Dr. Gbenga Okunola who delivered a lecture on ‘Minerals Resources Development in Nigeria and Global Perspective,’ said, “the mining industry needs more technical experts to be able to move the industry forward.
He said, there is a missing link in the mining industry in Nigeria and that is the role of professionals.
– Jonah Nwokpoku, Vanguard.
