Victor EzejaIn his quest to ensure optimal contribution of the mining sector to Nigeria’s economy, President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Development Initiative (PAGMI) to scale up operations in the sector.
The president who gave the directive on Wednesday at a briefing by the steering committee and management team of PAGMI at the statehouse, Abuja, mandated the team to provide a six-month progress report on the solid minerals development fund.
Buhari urged the PAGMI team to work towards attracting investments in the mining sector that goes beyond small-scale levels which is currently obtainable.
A statement by the special adviser to the president on media and Publicity, Mr Demi Adesina quoted the president as saying that, “The PAGMI Management Team should now develop innovative ways to move PAGMI to the next level to ensure the Nigerian mining story goes beyond artisanal and small-scale mining.
“I expect a six-month progress report that will clearly show significant progress by scaling up the program from its current pilot stage.
“Now that you have successfully delivered a pilot scheme in Kebbi State, it is time to roll out and expand sustainably across other States. The Government is committed to providing all the necessary support required,” Buhari stated.
The President declared his support for the target set by the PAGMI team to deliver 3-5 tons of gold in the next one year and urged them to work with all the relevant government agencies to activate the solid mineral development fund in order to achieve its target.
He also directed all stakeholders to expeditiously conclude the ongoing assignment of determining a portion of their proceeds that would go into the solid minerals development fund.
He said, “The dedication of a portion of accruals to create a sustainable income stream for the Solid Minerals Development Fund is essential to delivering the mandates assigned to the Fund.
“The development of a sustainable funding stream for the Fund will conclude the implementation of the Fund’s Establishment Act, which is a key focus area for this Administration.
“This initiative is of great pride to me because through our intervention we can reach hardworking Nigerians in the field, toiling, and the quarries under the sun trying to earn an honest living,” the president stated.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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