BY AKUDORO GLORIA
The Ministries of Solid Minerals and Steel Development (MSMSD) has officially taking over the Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification (MinDiver) Project for sustainable economic development.
The MinDiver handover ceremony which took place at the Ministries’ Headquarters in Abuja, marks a new phase in the project’s lifecycle, as the Ministries assume full responsibility for overseeing and implementing the initiatives aimed at transforming Nigeria’s mining sector.
Addressing stakeholders at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD), Dr Mary Ogbe, said the Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification (MinDiver) Project, launched in 2017 and expired in 2024, aimed to leave behind a more resilient, transparent, and diversified mining sector that contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economic development.
Although, the MINDIVER is set up as a strategic reform project of the Federal Government, to be assisted by the World Bank with an international development assistance (IDA) credit of US$150 million; designed to accelerate progress across each of the pillars established in the road-map for the growth and development of the Nigerian mining industry, and to ensure that the IDA credit is optimally utilized to help attain the set goals and objectives defined within the road-map.
In a statement by the Ministry, the Permanent Secretary urged all heads of agencies and departments under the ministry to thoroughly review the MinDiver project activities and identify where their respective units can contribute to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project’s objectives, which aim to strengthen the mining sector and diversify the economy.
According to her, the MinDiver project represents a comprehensive strategy to unlock Nigeria’s mineral resources, and its continuity is vital for maximizing the benefits of the sector’s potential. She urged stakeholders to take ownership of the project by aligning their departmental goals with MinDiver’s activities, ensuring that the momentum created by the project is maintained even beyond its formal completion.
Dr. Ogbe explained: “With the budget planning process still ongoing, it is crucial for each department to meticulously study the project’s activities and make informed decisions that will foster sustainability. A clear understanding of these activities will not only provide a roadmap for future initiatives but also serve as a foundation for objective budgeting and resource allocation.”
The Permanent Secretary emphasized that this approach will ensure that the investments made in the MinDiver project yield long-lasting results, ultimately benefiting the nation’s mining industry and contributing to broader economic diversification.
While urged the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to meet high testing standards for accurate data for mineral exploration, environmental assessments, and infrastructure development, Dr. Ogbe, also called for a job completion form for item supply for proper documentation and accountability in line with global standards that will attract both local and foreign investment in the sector.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Christopher Isokpunwu, urged industry leaders, policymakers, and agencies to collaborate on addressing external challenges, urging a unified approach to strengthen resilience and ensure sustainable growth, despite potential non-sector origins.
Also speaking, the former Project Coordinator of MinDiver, Engr. Sallim Salam, appreciated the support given to MinDiver that enabled it to accomplish 75 percent of its projects, noting that since inception, MinDiver operations has focused on, geological data acquisition; environmental and social safeguards, among others things.
To ensure the Ministry is equipped with a dependable pool of skilled personnel to support continuity and success of the projects, Engr. Salam hinted that the MinDiver project has compiled a list of trained officers who are equipped to oversee specific projects.