FG Calls on Govs to Establish Mining Companies and Apply for Licenses

The Federal Government has urged the thirty-six states under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to urgently form mining companies and apply for mining licenses.

In a communiqué issued after the meeting of the governors, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake, briefed the NGF members on the progress made in the Ministry. He also sought the cooperation of state governments to create a conducive business environment for investors, support artisanal and small-scale mining cooperatives, address illegal mining, and mitigate risks in the sector.

The communiqué, signed by NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, stated that the Forum welcomed the reforms but called for stronger intergovernmental coordination in managing sector activities, including licensing, surveillance, and operational safeguards.

The statement read, “We, members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), at our meeting, deliberated on various issues of national importance.

“Members received a briefing from the Honorable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake, on recent policies, institutional and operational reforms undertaken by the ministry to harness the country’s mining potential.

“He sought the cooperation of state governments in creating an enabling business environment for investors, supporting artisanal and small-scale mining cooperatives, addressing illegal mining, and de-risking the sector.

“The Minister encouraged state governments to form mining companies and apply for mining licenses. The Forum welcomed the reforms but advocated for stronger intergovernmental coordination in managing sector activities, from licensing and surveillance to operational safeguards.”

The Forum also received a briefing from Dr. Ahmad Abdulwahab, NGF Senior Health Advisor, on states’ progress in expanding health insurance coverage and their performance on nutrition and the Primary Healthcare (PHC) Leadership Challenge.

“He also informed members about the rollout of Phase II of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination exercise in 21 states starting 27th May 2024. Members committed to ramping up efforts to achieve the necessary improvements advocated,” the communiqué added.