The appointment of the new Nigerian Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite, has been welcomed by key media and event stakeholders in the country’s mining sector.
Shortly after his appointment last week, the
new minister was quoted as saying that he intends to learn from current Ekiti
State Governor Kayode Fayemi, who held the position from 2015 to 2018, and who
he said did a lot in the sector. Minister Adegbite is the former Ogun state
Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure.
“During his tenure, former mining minister Governor Kayode Fayemi established
the foundation and groundwork upon which Nigeria’s mining sector can grow
towards contributing 10% to GDP in 2026,” says Laura Cornish, Editor-in-Chief
of the leading mining trade publication Mining Review Africa. “If the newly
appointed Olamilekan Adegbite follows in his footsteps, then the realisation of
a vibrant mining sector in the next few years is undoubtedly achievable.”
She adds: “Mining Review Africa looks forward to hearing from Adegbite at this
year’s Nigeria Mining Week which
is the ideal platform to stay informed about government’s plans for bringing
investment into the country.”
Also, the organisers of Nigeria
Mining Week have congratulated the
newly appointed cabinet member, saying Minister Adegbite holds the key to
driving the renewal of the Nigerian mining sector. ”We have been following
developments in the mining industry since the appointment of the former cabinet
in 2015 and have witnessed the development of the sector over the past five
years” says Emmanuelle Nicholls, Group Director: Mining at Spintelligent,
organisers of the annual Nigeria Mining Week exhibition and conference in Abuja in partnership with the Miners
Association of Nigeria (MAN) and PwC Nigeria.
She adds: “the global mining community is now paying attention to the
renaissance of mining in Nigeria and its interest continues to increase. Mining
is fast becoming the industry of repute and promise for the diversification of
the Nigerian economy. We have high hopes for the sector and wish for industry’s
growth to continue at a steady rate over the next decade and we have faith in
the new Minister of Mines and Steel Development Adegbite and in his commitment
to the sector to lead this trajectory,” she concludes.
Official host ministry
partner
The Nigerian Ministry of Mines and Steel Development is the official host
ministry partner of the annual Nigeria Mining Weekconference and exhibition, taking place from
14-16 October in Abuja. Since inception four years ago, both predecessors of
Minister Adegbite, Governor Kayode Fayemi and most recently Mr Bawa Bwari,
have attended the event in their capacity as Mining and Steel Development
Minister either as keynote speaker or as VIP guest.
This year’s industry gathering in Abuja is expected to attract more than 1200
mining experts, 180+ mines and exploration companies, 40+ sponsors with more
than 24 countries represented.
Leading industry supplier Barron is returning as a gold sponsor while AG
Vision, Kian Smith Trade Co, Meridian Drilling & Exploration Services and
PW Nigeria Ltd have also already confirmed as silver sponsors.
Nigeria Mining Week dates and
location:
14 October 2019: Pre-conference: Finance and investment day
15-16 October 2019: Opening Session, conference and exhibition
Venue: NAF Conference Centre and Suites, Abuja, Nigeria
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