By Goodluck Ikiebe
L- R: Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume and Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal at the 2nd edition of the Africa Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit in Abuja.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has warned private companies and public servants cutting corners in the solid minerals sector to stop or face the wrath of the law.
Addressing participants at the 2nd edition of the Africa Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) in Abuja, the President disclosed that while the government welcomes genuine investors, who share the administration’s vision, it would punish economic saboteurs hindering ease of doing business and efforts to enable the sector support the transformation of the economy.
Speaking on the theme of the conference, “Towards a Just Transition”, President Bola Tinubu, emphasised the essence of mobilising the country’s natural resources for the development of the people.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of Federation, Mr. George Akume, the President revealed that
Dr. Oladele Alake was appointed Minister of Solid Minerals to sanitise the sector, assuring that the Federal Executive Council adopted his seven point agenda to turn around the industry.
President Tinubu also encouraged the Governors to forge a common front with the Federal Government to increase the contribution of mining to the economy, advising the Governors to resist the temptation to interfere in legitimate businesses of licensed operators.
Welcoming the President, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr.Oladele Alake, thanked the President for the robust support of the ministry, assuring that the ministry shall execute its mandate efficiently.
He emphasised the relevance of the event to the administration’s resolve to diversify the nation’s energy sources, promote renewable energy and implement energy efficiency measures.
” At the heart of this summit, we find the idea of a “Just Transition. This concept calls for us to ensure that as we shift towards more sustainable practices in natural resource development and energy production, no one is left behind. The just transition is about recognizing the needs of our workforce, communities, and economies that have long depended on traditional energy sources to establish and consolidate the forces of fostering inclusivity, providing alternatives, and equitably distributing the benefits of this transformation”, Alake added.
According to him, “The just transition demands that we address the social and economic challenges that may arise from shifting away from traditional energy sources. We must invest in workforce re-training, creating alternative employment opportunities, and supporting impacted communities. Africa must adopt policies that provide a safety net for those who might be negatively affected by this transition.” Dr. Alake stated.
Noting the development of a policy framework for effective and efficient management of identified transition minerals, the Minister stressed that the Federal Government recognises the global shift towards sustainable, environmentally friendly technologies hence its resolve for responsible management of critical minerals towards cleaner energy systems, reduction of carbon emissions and global fight against climate change.
The head of Press and Public Relations in Solid Mineral Development Ministry, Alaba Balogun, listed dignitaries that graced the opening of the 2nd edition of AFNIS to include representative of President Bola Tinubu, SGF, Sen. George Akume; Chief host, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake; Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaib Audu; Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal; Permanent Secretary, Ministries of Solid Minerals Development & Steel Development , Dr. Mary Ogbe; Chairman of Mosra Energy, Olukayode Ramos and a host of others.
