Ogah Seeks Synergy in Africa’s Mining Sector

The Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah has advised African countries to build their respective mining sector in order to boost economic growth and industrialisation in the continent.

He stated this recently when he played host to a delegation of the National Action Committee on African Continental Free Trade Area, (AfCFTA) , led by its Secretary, Francis Anatogu, in Abuja.

Ogah, in a statement noted that Nigeria has over 44 minerals in commercial value which could lead to the industrialisation of Africa, stating: “globally, Nigeria is blessed in terms of minerals.”

He said the ministry was working at ensuring that no mineral would be taken out of the country without proper beneficiation in order to improve and increase the economic value of the minerals to meet international standard for the benefit of the miners.

He disclosed that the ministry was determined to use the sector as a tool for job and wealth creation, in line with the present administration’s agenda, and provide opportunities for Africans.

Ogah, further revealed that the ministry was also looking at creating a project, “Mines to Power,” which would be aimed at providing sustainable power to drive mining activities at the sites, adding that access to energy, especially electricity is a driving force for economic development.

While commending the Committee for the efforts they have put in so far, the Minister enjoined them to ensure that he is briefed regularly on their activities.

Earlier,

Anatogu urged

African nations to leverage on the benefits of AfCFTA to increase the economic growth in Africa.

He stated that AfCFTA aligns with the vision of the Ministry’s Mining Road Map, noting that mining employs people with zero education to those with PhD.

According to him, the sector has the capacity to solve the unemployment problem in many African countries.