The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, on Monday inaugurated boards of agencies under the ministry with a charge on members to embrace the culture of transparency, accountability and inclusion in the governance of the mining sector adding that the boards must live up to the responsibility of performing effective oversight functions.
While he said the administration is committed to transparency and accountability in corporate governance, the minister emphasized that the role of the Governing boards is to provide effective oversight and strategic advisory to the respective management teams of these entities. “I therefore call on all concerned to study and strictly adhere to the laid down Laws that have clearly defined the roles and responsibilities of the Board Members,” he added.
This, he said would aide government’s work towards ensuring that the country’s God-given endowments advance her sustainable growth.
The short but colourful event was witnessed by the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Hon Abubakar Bawa Bwari, a former Minister in the Ministry, Alhaji Sarafa Tunji Isola; and the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Muazu Abdulkadir, as well as families and well wishers of the new board members.
Dr Fayemi said: “The Mining sector remains crucial as one of the frontiers of the Federal Government’s recently launched ‘Economic Recovery & Growth Plan (2017-2020)’, in which the Minerals and Metals sector was duly recognised as one of those to drive Nigeria’s recovery.
“The Ministry has been selected as one of the critical players in the ERGP Focus Labs about to be launched by Mr. President this week.
“ Other targets for the sector include the facilitation of Coal to Power Plants to contribute to our energy mix towards bridging our energy deficits; the production of geological maps of the entire country by 2020 on a scale of 1:100,000; as well as the sustainable integration of artisanal miners into the formal sector.
Four agencies in the Ministry had their board inaugurated. They are the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA); National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency (NSRMEA); National Metallurgical Development Agency and Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG).
Members of the board of the NGSA are: Hon Emma Bassey (Chairman); Hon Akeem Olatoye, Pastor Adamu Yakubu, Lukman Owolewa, Barr Ikenna Ihezuo, Alhaji Saliu Woru, Masud Yusuf, Mr Patrick Ojeka, Mr Makanjuola Afolayan, Mr Akinyemi Oyefeso, Alonge John Adesanya, and Alex Nwegbu (DG/CEO).
The Board of NSRMEA, have as members Dr Yomi Finnih (Chairman), Dr Ademola Onifade, Alh Yerima Bularafa, Abdulrasaq Abubakar Garba, Mr Victor Ihebinke, Ime Ekenyong Ekrikpo, Mr Sanusi Ashiru, Mrs H.L. Kadiri and Mrs Rabi Umar Sodangi.
The Board of the National Metallurgical Development Centre have as members : Dr. Kamoru Yusuf, MD/CEO of KAM Industries Limited; Barrister Sebastine Ibezim (Chairman); Mr Kunle Dada; Mr Martin Bisong; Lanre Adesina; Mr Victor Ihebinike; Suleiman Akaaba; Engr Olasupo Kolawole; Barr Christopher Gabriel and Mbaya Emmanuel Ishaku.
The Memebers of the Council of Nigeria Mining Engineers and Geosciences are: Chief Godspower Okpoi (Chairman), Mrs Songagi, Engr K. Wuyep, Mr Alex Nwegbu, Prof Silas Dada , Prof Simeon Abam, Engr Benjamin Okwudili, Dr Abubakar Garba Ilya and Adedoja Rosamund Ojelabi.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Muazu Abdulkadir, reminded the appointees of the major thrust of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, which include fight against corruption, securing the nation and revamping the economy.
“The key strategy of revamping the economy is to restore growth and promote economic development through economic diversification”, Dr Muazu stated, adding that the mining sector, if properly rejuvenated has the potential to drive industrialisation, create wealth and provide employment for millions of people.
