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To ensure sustainable development of the
mining sector, there is need for the executive to
collaborate with the legislative arm of government.
The
Honourable Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mrs.
Diezani Alison-Madueke made the remark during a visit of the
members of the House Committee on Solid Minerals on
oversight function to the Ministry. The delegation was led
by the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Yakubu Barde.
The
Minister said there is need to collaborate with the
legislative arm of Government in moving the sector forward.
She said, “it is necessary to find ways and means of
working together with the committee, we have to bring out
the various policies we have and work in complete alignment
with the House Committee’’.
She said
with the present administration’s commitment to diversify
the nation’s economy, the mining sector could generate a lot
of revenue for the country if the sector is properly
articulated.
Mrs.
Alison- Madueke added that a strategic framework has to be
put in place for the development of the sector. She assured
the legislators that the Ministry would continue to work
smoothly with them for the development of the mining sector.
While
briefing the legislators on the implementation of the 2009
Appropriation Budget of the Ministry, Mrs. Alison-Madueke
disclosed that the Mining Regulations will be out soon to
fast track operations in the sector. She also disclosed that
intensive efforts were being made for the enactment of the
Mining Cadastre Act
In his
welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry
Alh.Suleiman Kassim also said that with the collaboration of
the legislative arm of government and the ministry, the
mining sector would move forward for the betterment of the
country.
Earlier in
his remarks, the Chairman, House Committee on Solid
Minerals,Hon.Yakubu Barde said the visit to the Ministry is
part of the oversight functions of the House Committee
mandated by the Honourable Speaker of the House of
Representatives, Hon.Dimeji Bankole.
He
explained that such visits to Ministries enable the
legislators assess the office accommodation and how far
ministries have gone with the implementation of their
various projects and budgetary appropriations.
Hon. Barde
said that partnership between the legislative arm of
government and the Ministry is necessary to move the sector
forward. He added that such partnership will also ensure
proper implementation of the budget for the benefit of the
masses.
Honourable
Barde who reiterated the present administration’s
determination to diversify the economic base of the country
in line with the seven - point agenda, assured the Ministry
that some of the ministry’s projects that were not achieved
this year would be appropriated for in the 2010 budget.
Hon. Barde
said his committee members were impressed with the
implementation of 2009 Appropriation Budget of the Ministry
which was over 50%.
He assured
that the committee would continue to support the sector for
the development of the nation. |
