The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and France on mining during the recent state visit of President Bola Tinubu to France will spur and accelerate mining in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Chukwudi Enekwechi, and Secretary Shadrach Sunday, the Tinubu Media Volunteers (TMV) applauded the deal that would go a long way in making the solid mineral sector more lucrative and vibrant.
“We note that for the first time in Nigeria, clarity and sanity are being witnessed in the solid minerals sector under the Tinubu administration. Hitherto Nigerians were totally in the dark regarding the activities of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
“We want to say that it is gratifying that most of the elements of the MOU with France are meant to reposition the sector for the overall development and diversification of the economy.
‘For example, a major part of the agreement is the remediation of 2000 mining pits by the French authorities. These sites have remained devastated by the concomitant environmental degradation over the years.
“Also, the agreement will focus on research, training, and Franco–Nigerian student exchanges for the acquisition of knowledge and skills transfer.
“We consider these positive measures as visionary on the part of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, whose appointment has led to a turnaround in the sector.
“Furthermore, the portion of the agreement that focuses on sustainable mining activities and programmes is aimed at reducing the environmental impact on water consumption and climate change.
“This will transform the value chain and enable Nigerians to reap the numerous economic potentials of the sector. The result is that with these agreements, international best practices will be infused into the activities of the solid minerals sector.
“Also, apart from bringing transparency to the operations of the sector, communities affected by mining activities will have cause to reap from the natural deposits on their land,” it added.
The group commended Dr Alake for being at the forefront of efforts to realize the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.
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