The Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification (MinDiver) Project has officially been transferred to the Ministries of Solid Minerals and Steel Development in a formal ceremony at the Ministries’ Headquarters on Thursday in Abuja.
This significant event signifies a new phase in the project’s lifecycle, as the Ministries take on full responsibility for supervising and executing the initiatives aimed at revolutionizing Nigeria’s mining sector.
Addressing stakeholders at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD), Dr. Mary Ogbe, highlighted that the MinDiver Project, initiated in 2017 and concluded in 2024, aimed to establish a more resilient, transparent, and diversified mining sector that significantly contributes to Nigeria’s economic progress.
Emphasizing the crucial need to uphold the legacy of the MinDiver Project to fully leverage the substantial investments made in the initiative, she urged all heads of agencies and departments under the ministry to meticulously assess the MinDiver project activities and identify areas where their respective units can make contributions.
This, she emphasized, is vital for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project’s objectives, which are designed to fortify the mining sector and enhance economic diversification.
The Chief Accounting Officer underscored that the MinDiver project embodies a comprehensive strategy to unlock Nigeria’s mineral resources, and its continuity is imperative for maximizing the sector’s potential benefits.
She called upon stakeholders to take ownership of the project by aligning their departmental objectives with MinDiver’s activities, ensuring that the project’s momentum persists even beyond its formal conclusion.
The Permanent Secretary further emphasized that, with the budget planning process still ongoing, it is essential for each department to meticulously analyze the project’s activities and make informed decisions that will promote sustainability.
She elucidated that a clear comprehension of these activities will not only provide a roadmap for future initiatives but also serve as a basis for objective budgeting and resource allocation. This approach, she stressed, will guarantee that the investments made in the MinDiver project yield enduring outcomes, ultimately benefiting the nation’s mining industry and contributing to broader economic diversification.
She advocated for a collaborative effort among all stakeholders, urging a commitment to the project’s objectives and a shared responsibility to maintain the required impetus for the sector’s growth and success.
Dr. Mary Ogbe also urged the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to adhere to high standards for testing to ensure precise and dependable data for decision-making in areas such as mineral exploration, environmental assessments, and infrastructure development. “This adherence to international standards will help establish credibility, attracting both local and foreign investments in Nigeria’s mining and geological sectors.”
She also tasked the Director-General (NGSA), Prof. Olusegun Ige, with designing a job completion form for the supply of items to guarantee proper documentation and accountability, ensuring that the supplied items meet the required specifications, are in good condition, and can resolve disputes efficiently.
This initiative aims to contribute to effective project management and transparency within the government.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Christopher Isokpunwu, in his contribution, emphasized the necessity for stakeholders to address external challenges that may impact the industry.
He urged industry leaders, policymakers, and relevant agencies to collaborate in addressing problems that may not have originated within the sector but still affect its progress. He called for proactive measures to mitigate these external challenges, emphasizing that a unified approach will strengthen the sector’s resilience and ensure sustainable growth.
Speaking at the event, the former Project Coordinator (MINDIVER), Engr. Sallim Salam, stated that the essence of the project is to enhance the institutions overseeing the mining sector and develop the downstream segment of the industry to efficiently manage the mining sector, while simultaneously creating a dynamic downstream sector that adds value to Nigeria’s mineral resources, ultimately contributing to economic diversification.
He expressed gratitude for the support extended to MinDiver, which enabled it to achieve 75 percent of its project objectives, highlighting that since its inception, MinDiver operations have focused on geological data acquisition, environmental and social safeguards, among other endeavors.
Dr. Salim also disclosed that the MinDiver project has compiled a roster of trained officers equipped to oversee specific projects. These officers possess the expertise required to manage key aspects of the initiatives, and the Ministry can rely on them for accurate and timely information when necessary.
This strategic initiative ensures that the Ministry has a dependable pool of skilled personnel to support the continuity and success of the projects, enhancing the overall efficiency and sustainability of the sector.
The key highlight of the event was the transfer of MINDIVER to the Ministries of Solid Minerals and Steel Development.
The ceremony was attended by Directors, Heads of Ministries’ departments, Heads of Agencies of the Ministries, stakeholders, and representatives from the World Bank, underscoring the project’s significance in Nigeria’s broader economic development agenda.
