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Mining operators across the country have been advised
against the formation of multiple unions to ensure
sustainable development of the nation’s Mining industry.
The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc.Musa
Mohammed Sada gave the advice when the Executive members of
the Miners Association of Nigeria paid him a working visit
in his office in Abuja.
The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc.Musa
Mohammed Sada gave the advice when the Executive members of
the Miners Association of Nigeria paid him a working visit
in his office in Abuja.
In the words of the Minister:
“The people to unionize are your workers, labourers, and
technicians in your offices and mine sites. That is the
right thing to do”.
The Minister explained that the operators are businessmen,
industrialists, wealth creators while the Ministry of Mines
and Steel Development is the regulator in the Sector.
Arc. Sada gave the advice on the heels of the issue of break
ups in the Association whereby some members call themselves
the progressives and other splinter groups.
The Minister advised that operators in the sector should
synergise and work together to move the sector forward.
The Minister advised that the association should bring
together all the splinter groups under the Miners
Association of Nigeria for the development of the Mining
industry in the country.
The Minister noted that when that is achieved groups like
the Producers and Processors of Barytes Association of
Nigeria, Coal and others would be operating in connection
with the umbrella body in charge of Mining in Nigeria,
Miners Association of Nigeria.
In the words of the Minister:
“Let there be one association. Let the people that have
interest in the various solid mineral resources in the
country spring up under the Miners Association of
Nigeria.This is what will push the operators forward in the
development of the mining industry.’’
The Minister explained that for consistency in policy
implementation in the sector there have to be operating
guidelines which is what the Ministry is trying to do by
involving all relevant stakeholders.
The Minister disclosed that efforts are being made by the
Federal Government and the World Bank through the office of
the sustainable Management of Mineral Resources Project for
funding operations in the sector.
To prevent the re-occurrence of the lead poison incident in
Zamfara State and other states across the country, the
Minister disclosed that a stakeholder’s forum is scheduled
for Thursday next week in Gusau, Zamfara State.
The Minister disclosed that after the stakeholders forum the
ban on Mining activities in Zamfara State would be lifted
for the continuation of mining activities in that state.
Arc. Sada thanked the chairman and members of the Miners
Association of Nigeria for their visit and determination to
partner with the Ministry for the development of the Mining
industry.
He assured them of the Ministry’s support and cooperation
for the development of the sector.
Speaking earlier the leader of the delegation and the
Chairman, Miners Association of Nigeria, Alh. Sani Shehu
said that the purpose of their visit was to indicate their
preparedness to work with government as partners in progress
towards the development of Nigeria’s Mining Sector to be the
foremost revenue earner for government, job and wealth
creation.
Alh. Shehu said that members of the association were also
impressed with the Minister’s style of leadership by
carrying all stakeholders along in the mining industry since
assumption of office in the Ministry.
In his words: “This is the first time in recent memory the
Ministry invites operators to directly partake in the review
of the document that will regulate their activities. This is
really a departure from the past tradition.
We say a big Kudos to you Sir”.
As a way forward towards the development of the Mining
industry in Nigeria, the Chairman suggested the following:
there should be policy consistency; strengthening of
departments; more funding intervention for operators.
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