THE National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS),has stated that lax regulations allow foreigners to benefit more from Nigeria’s solid mineral resources.
NIPSS Director General Ayo Omotaya stated yesterday during a joint press conference with public relations firm Bruit Costaud in Abuja, that the solid minerals sector must be repositioned since it is essential to the nation’s economic progress.
He stated that, despite Nigeria’s natural wealth, it has not made substantial contributions to lifting Nigerians out of poverty since it is controlled by artisanal miners.
“Our inability to take a decisive action on this has led to “outsiders” coming to explore and extract some of these minerals while illegal and unscrupulous elements capitalise on this to milk the nation dry,” he said.
He stated that the federal government has made numerous attempts to address mining issues and obstacles over the years, but none have achieved significant results.
While acknowledging that much more work remains to be done to realise the sector’s full potential, he stated that the institute is collaborating with Bruit Costaud on a summit to provide a platform for all stakeholders in the mining industry to deliberate and reflect on the best strategies for the sector’s long-term development.
He did, however, urge all stakeholders, particularly decision makers, field workers, and investors, to respond to the clarion cry for national emancipation by arriving on time despite their hectic schedules to attend the crucial upcoming summit.