By Henry Umoru

The Federal Government has pleaded with the thirty- six State under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, to as a matter of urgency, form mining companies and apply for mining licenses.

In a communique issued at the of the meeting of the governors, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake who briefed members of the NGF on progess made so far in the Ministry, is also seeking the cooperation of State governments in his drive to create an enabling business environment for investors, support artisanal and small-scale mining cooperatives, address illegal mining, and de-risk the sector.

In the Communiqué signed by the NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Forum welcomed the reforms, however, advocated for stronger intergovernmental relation in coordinating the activities of the sector from licensing, surveillance to operational safeguards.

The statement read, “We, members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), at our meeting held, deliberated on various issues of national importance.

“Members received a briefing from the Honorable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake, on recent policies, institutional and operational reforms undertaken by the ministry in harnessing the mining potentials of the country.

“He sought the cooperation of State governments in his drive to create an enabling business environment for investors, support artisanal and small-scale mining cooperatives, address illegal mining, and de-risk the sector.

“The Minister encouraged State Governments to form mining companies and apply for mining licenses. The Forum welcomed the reforms, however, advocated for stronger intergovernmental relation in coordinating the activities of the sector from licensing, surveillance to operational safeguards.

“The Forum received briefing from Dr. Ahmad Abdulwahab, NGF Senior Health Advisor, on States’ progress with expanding health insurance coverage and their performance on nutrition as well as the Primary Healthcare (PHC) Leadership Challenge.

“He also informed members about the roll-out of the Phase II of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination exercise in 21 States starting 27th May 2024. Members committed to ramping up effort at achieving the necessary improvements advocated.”