Mining: MMSD to collaborate with KPMG for economic diversification
By Gloria Akudoro, Abuja
The Ministry of Mines and Steel Development (MMSD) is set to collaborate with Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG), in a bid to fully actualise the mandate of the Ministry for economic growth of the nation.
The Minister of Mines and Steel Development (MMSD), Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite stated this in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Etore Efiom, while receiving the Head of Energy and Natural Resources (KPMG), Mr. Ayo Salami and his team in Abuja over the weekend.
In his welcome remark, Arc. Adegbite urged KPMG delegates for a meaningful engagement with the MMSD Management in order to learn more about the Ministry’s history and to acquire useful insight into its policies and programmes.
Also speaking, the Minister of State MMSD, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, acknowledged the proposed collaboration KPMG has offered the Ministry for the development of the mineral and metals sector and looked forward to a strong relationship with the Ministry for the realisation of economic diversification of the Federal Government.
Earlier, Head of Energy and Natural Resources (KPMG), Mr. Ayo Salami stated that their purpose of coming to Ministry was to share their thoughts about the industry on how well to relate with its operators.
He appreciated efforts of the Ministry in setting up the National Integrated Mining Expression Project (NIMEP); ensuring improved transmission of Mining Cadastral Office (MCO); improved transparency and review of License Regime in Mining Sector; the launching of EMC+ system process and Mining Roadmap, which has resulted to a surge in mineral exploration in the Industry.
Mr Salami, enjoined the Ministry to enhance the Mining Roadmap by working with relevant gold agencies to harmonise and develop some financial incentives in order to attract relevant miners into the country. He said such harmonisation will bring clarity to operators, particularly to foreign investors who are ready to come into the Nigeria mining space.
Mr Salami who pointed out the adverse effects of the activities of illegal miners against the growth of the sector, decried the low contribution of Mining to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), adding that adequate steps should be taken to utilise available mining strategies for the development of the industry.
