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Tasks FG on judicious disbursement of N5bn FG-BoI rescue fund
Agba Dave, Abuja
The Nigerian Union of Mines Workers (NUMW) has called on the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi and his Minister of State, Abubakar Bawa Bwari to push for ‘full implementation of the recommendations of the maiden National Council on Mining,’ saying that if implemented, the efforts of government to develop the sector will yield the desired results even at the downstream.
National President of the Union, Comr Hamza Mohammed who made the call at an exclusive interview with our correspondent in Abuja on Friday commended the Buhari administration for the efforts it has made to develop the mining sector, adding that the administration has stands out for the all-inclusive approach it adopted to address problems.
He called on the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and its agencies to jointly advocate for the implementation of the recommendations saying that if the recommendations are implemented, it will go a long way to solve challenges that necessitated the formation of the council.
‘The council dealt with all the problems and proffered solutions,’ he said.
While saying that Buhari administration has shown sincere commitment to the development of the mining sector by convening the Council, Hamza advised that government should consider implementing the recommendation in partnership with the union and various stakeholders who contributed to it.
‘We are a union and we don’t always praise government but we will not deny government the commendation it deserves,’ he said adding that the success of the all-inclusive mining council is a giant stride scored by government.’
He said in order to ensure effective implementation of the recommendations, the Ministry should work together with stakeholders as well as identify people who share its passion for the development of the sector.
The union leader further commended President Muhammadu Buhari from representing Africa at the United Nations adding that it is a signal for the much needed unity of the African continent.
‘For speaking as the leader of Africa at the United Nations, President Buhari has shown that Nigeria can play the big-brother role required for the unity of the African continent,’ he added.
Commenting on the recently launched N5bn MMSD-BoI ASM rescue fund, Hamza advised the minister to ‘follow the money until it gets to the ASM operators for whom it is intended,’ stating that interest among players may differ.
