By Goodluck B Ikiebe
Photo – 5th Left:Dr Mary Ogbe, PS, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development/Steel Development; On her Left: Mr Ime Ekrikpo, Director Investment Promotion and Minerals Trade Department; On his Left: Mrs Oluwayemisi Ajayi Special Assistant Special Projects to Hon. Minister; 2nd Right: Technical Asst. To Hon. Minister, Mrs. Nancy Chinemerem Nwaka; and other members of the Committe for The Establishment of Nigerian Mining Centre of Excellence.
In continuation of its efforts to reposition and ensure the mining sector to contribute maximally to the growth of the nation’s economy, the Federal Government will establish the Nigerian Mining Centre of Excellence ( CoE) as a one stop -shop that will meet the needs of investors in the solid Minerals sector.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development/Steel Development, Dr Mrs Mary Ogbe, disclosed this on Friday during the inauguration of members of the Committee for the Establishment of the Nigerian Mining Centre of Excellence (CoE), at the Ministry’s Headquarters Office in Abuja.
Speaking on the importance of establishing the Center of Excellence, Dr Ogbe explained that it is Pivotal in numerous ways to the actualisation of the Ministry’s conttibution to the growth of the Nigerian economy; as it will foster collaborations among the key departments of the Ministry.
Elaborating further on the objectives for creating the Mining Centre of Excellence; the Permanent Secretary said: ” The Centre is established to provide a one-stop that will meet the needs of investors in the solid mineral sector of the economy, facilitate the efficient use of the Decision Support System ( DSS) and promote knowledge – sharing best practices and capacity building within the mining sector”.
Continuing, Dr Ogbe expressed optimism on the actualization of the mandate of the CoE to act as a focal point for international partnerships and collaboration in the field of mining investment amongst other laudable objectives.
To this end, she stated that the Honorable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has assured that he is willing and ready to support the activities of the CoE with everything it needs to actualize its mandate.
The Nigerian Mining Centre of Excellence CoE , according to Dr Ogbe, will foster collaborations among the key departments of the Ministry which include Nigerian Geological Survey Agency NGSA, Mining Cadastre Office MCO, Mines Inspectorate, Office of the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Ministry of Steel Development and Office of the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development.
Membership of the Committee includes nominated members of the various Departments and Agencies of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development; and will be chaired by the Director of Investment Promotion and Minerals Trade Department of the Ministry.
