To ensure in-depth knowledge of its mandate, the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, MMSD has sensitized the Participants of the Strategic Management and Policy Studies Course 5/2022 of the Nigeria Army Resource Centre (NARC), Abuja on its activities and programmes, towards the growth of the Mining industry for the realization of economic diversification of the government.
The Minister, MMSD, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite, urged the group, which in partnership with the Post Graduate School of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) was on a one-day visit at the Ministry’s Headquarters, Abuja, yesterday to utilize their acquired knowledge from the Ministry for enhanced opportunities to develop partnerships, encourage and nurture stakeholders and citizenry participation in the development of Mining industry for the growth of the economy.
He also commended the participants for seeking more knowledge in order to make positive inputs, which will take the country to greater heights.
The Permanent Secretary, Dr Oluwatoyin Akinlade, in her remarks, declared the Ministry’s unalloyed support for the SMEs and tasked the group to support the Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) in terms of favorable tax policies, structuring and providing low interest loans, among other needs for optimal performance as finance is a major challenge for SMEs.
According to her, the SMEs plays a major role in developing countries like Nigeria as they account for more than 50% (from World Bank Statistics) in job creation and revenue generation to the Nation’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP.
Earlier in his presentation to enlighten the participants on the mandate of the Ministry towards repositioning the Sector, Mr. Ime Ekrikpo, Director (MI& RMD), among other things, said the Ministry is responsible for the Administration and regulations of Mineral Resources and its entire value chain.
He added that it has Agencies and Departments saddled with responsibilities of ensuring easy administration of the Sector.
In his contribution, the leader of the group, Major General K. Muktar, explained that the NARC Course is in collaboration with Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs), which has strategic policies in Management and Entrepreneurship.
The Ministry, he said, is considered Strategic because of its control of natural resources and connection with Agriculture, which is very important to the participants in preparation for retirement.
He acknowledged the Management and Staff of the Ministry for their warm reception and solicited for more collaboration for the benefit of the country.