In a move to consolidate departure from fossil fuels the federal government of Nigeria has indicated a shift to the solid minerals and metal sectors development for the country’s economic prosperity.
This it says is because fossil fuel is gradually being phased out with the advent of electric cars and the country might not get buyers of its fuel in a few years.
The Permanent Secretary of the Solid Minerals Ministry, Mary Ogbe said this on Monday, January 15, in Ilorin, Kwara state at the 5th National Council on Mining and Mineral Resources Development (NCMMRD) Meeting.
She said the meeting which is a gathering of stakeholders in the solid minerals and metal sectors is aimed at providing an invaluable platform to deliberate on key issues affecting the sector and chart a way forward.
Ogbe said: “The nation is depending on the Solid mineral and metal sector for its economic prosperity for two reasons: “Fossil fuel is gradually being phased out with the advent of electric cars. In China today, 30% of their vehicles are electrically powered, so in a few years from now, we may not get buyers for our fuel. So to you and I who have the mandate to make the Solid mineral sector generate prosperity for our people, please let us so do.
“Secondly”, she said, “the world is going green and we must not be left behind. And for us, we are highly blessed with energy minerals as well. This edition of the National Council on Mining and Mineral Resources Development provides us with an invaluable platform to deliberate on key issues affecting the sector and chart a way forward. Our agenda for today includes discussions on policy reforms, investment opportunities, community engagement, environmental sustainability, and fostering innovation in the sector.”