The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD) has reaffirmed that the reappointment of Fatima Shinkafi as the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) by President Bola Tinubu complies with the legal framework governing the agency.
Addressing concerns raised in some quarters regarding the decision, the ministry clarified that the act establishing the SMDF does not impose a term limit on its Chief Executive Officers (CEOs).
“Our attention has been drawn to misinformation circulating in some quarters about the reappointment of Hajia Fatima Shinkafi as Executive Secretary of the SMDF, approved by the President weeks ago. The approval followed due process and aligns with the existing laws governing the agency, particularly the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act (NMMA) 2007,” the ministry stated.
The ministry further referenced Section 35(2) of the NMMA 2007, which provides that the Executive Secretary is to be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development. It emphasized that the act contains no provision specifying a tenure limit for the position, underscoring that Shinkafi’s reappointment is lawful and does not violate any regulations.
“Under her stewardship, the SMDF has been reorganized to mobilize capital, create de-risking tools for mining sector investments, and enable targeted exploration to accelerate mine development, among other initiatives. Her pivotal role in repositioning the mining sector cannot be overstated,” the statement added.
The ministry assured stakeholders of its continued support for the SM.
Reappointment of Shinkafi as SMDF Executive Secretary in Order, No Term Limit in Agency’s Establishing Act – FG
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The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD) has reaffirmed that the reappointment of Fatima Shinkafi as the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) by President Bola Tinubu complies with the legal framework governing the agency.
Addressing concerns raised in some quarters regarding the decision, the ministry clarified that the act establishing the SMDF does not impose a term limit on its Chief Executive Officers (CEOs).
“Our attention has been drawn to misinformation circulating in some quarters about the reappointment of Hajia Fatima Shinkafi as Executive Secretary of the SMDF, approved by the President weeks ago. The approval followed due process and aligns with the existing laws governing the agency, particularly the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act (NMMA) 2007,” the ministry stated.
The ministry further referenced Section 35(2) of the NMMA 2007, which provides that the Executive Secretary is to be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development. It emphasized that the act contains no provision specifying a tenure limit for the position, underscoring that Shinkafi’s reappointment is lawful and does not violate any regulations.
“Under her stewardship, the SMDF has been reorganized to mobilize capital, create de-risking tools for mining sector investments, and enable targeted exploration to accelerate mine development, among other initiatives. Her pivotal role in repositioning the mining sector cannot be overstated,” the statement added.
The ministry assured stakeholders of its continued support for the SMDF in expanding access to credit and fostering partnerships that unlock financing for economic growth. This effort aligns with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to position the solid minerals sector as a major contributor to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
