AfDB endorses, supports FG’s mining roadmap

ABUJA- THE African Development Bank, AfDB, yesterday, endorsed and support the Federal Government’s mining roadmap for the solid minerals sector ahead of its public presentation and unveiling. This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media, to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Olayinka Oyebode, which said the document received inputs from different stakeholders and state governments.   The statement reads in part: “The African Development Bank (AfDB) has endorsed the Federal Government’s Roadmap for mining, ahead of  the public presentation of the document by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. “Titled, ‘Roadmap for the Growth and Development of the Nigerian Mining Industry- On the Road to Shared Mining Prosperity’, the document is a comprehensive policy agenda for Nigeria’s mining and mineral sector. “The Roadmap, which has received inputs from different stakeholders and state governments, is awaiting approval of the Federal Executive Council before its official unveiling. “AfDB Country Director, Dr Ousmane Dore, said the Bank had reviewed the Mining Roadmap and is prepared to partner with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to actualise it. “Ousmane who spoke at the opening session of the International Mining and Investment Conference/Exhibition on Nigeria in Abuja on Monday, was responding to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who challenged local and international financial institutions to invest in the sector. He said the AfDB is also prepared to support the sector by providing funding for mining operations as well as technical assistance. He said the comprehensive nature of the Mining roadmap shows the Federal Government’s commitment to the re-positioning of the sector to meet its economic diversification plan.” The Minister had earlier in his address maintained the resolve of the Buhari-led administration to diversify the economy through the sector.