Mining industry for forensic audit – Minister

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, has indicated plans for a forensic audit of the mining sector for transparency and attract investors.

Mr. Segun Tomori, the Minister’s Media Assistant, made this known in a statement released on Thursday.

According to Tomori, the minister dropped the hint during a meeting with Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the ministry’s Abuja headquarters on Wednesday.

He said: “I can reveal that we are going to embark on a forensic audit of the entire sector.

“We are collaborating with the Ministry of Science and Technology on satellite imaging, in line with the directive of Mr. President.”

The reforms, Alake said, will lead to the establishment of technology-based mechanisms to improve the regulatory framework and oversight of the federal government.

He said: “This will assist in monitoring activities at mining sites and consequently bolster our capacity to effectively secure the mining environment.”

Alake underscored the vital role of Plateau State in the Federal Government’s plan to develop the mining sector and requested cooperation with Mutfwang to exploit the state’s solid mineral wealth and tackle the environmental hazards posed by abandoned mining pits, a legacy of colonial exploitation.

The minister added: “We are working towards creating an Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation Fund to establish a pool of resources that can be used for remediation efforts.

“This includes covering or converting abandoned pits, which pose a danger to our citizens and communities, into productive uses like irrigation.”

In his address, Gov. Mutfwang praised Alake’s energetic and dedicated approach to the sector since taking office and expressed confidence that under his leadership, Nigeria will tap into its vast solid mineral resources, making a substantial contribution to the country’s GDP.

On the security of mining sites, the governor hailed the mining marshals for their achievements so far, urging the minister to ensure their proper integration into the state’s security network to stay abreast of their activities.

Mutfwang also called for a strengthened regulatory framework, accurate and current data in the mining industry, and federal assistance to tackle the problem of abandoned mining pits in the state.

He said: “We are hopeful that through our partnership with the ministry, we can leverage the Federal Government’s ecological funds to remedy these abandoned sites. Not only is this vital for health, but it also holds potential economic value.”