By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has launched the Nigeria Mineral Resources Decision Support System (NMDSS), a digital platform designed to enhance the ease of doing business in the mining sector.
The launch, which took place on May 14, 2024, aims to provide prospective investors with critical information on Nigeria’s mineral deposits, policies guiding the mining sector, and incentives for investment from anywhere in the world.
According to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, the NMDSS is a communication tool that will expand access to information, enhance government strategy, and ease business in the solid minerals sector.
He highlighted the cost-saving opportunities of the platform, stating that prospective foreign investors will save on travel and accommodation costs by accessing the website for information.
Dr. Alake emphasized that the support system will assist critical stakeholders and potential investors in garnering requisite information, bringing them closer to the industry, and providing answers to pertinent questions about mineral deposits and mining infrastructure.
He also revealed efforts to sanitize the mining sector, including the unveiling of mining marshals to curb illegal mining activities and the formation of 152 cooperatives by artisanal miners to legalize their operations.
In his remarks, the Minister of Interior, Hon. Tunji Olubunmi-Ojo, commended the transformative leadership of Dr. Alake, stating that the launch of the NMDSS is a game-changer that will attract more foreign investments.
He drew parallels with Saudi Arabia’s non-oil industry, which contributes over 50% to its GDP, and expressed confidence that Nigeria can achieve similar success with the solid minerals sector.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe, charged critical stakeholders and Nigerians to market the nation’s vast solid minerals potentials, emphasizing that the present administration’s reforms are steadily repositioning the mining sector.
The NMDSS is a comprehensive software platform that serves as a one-stop shop for investors seeking credible and decisive information about Nigeria’s mineral resources, facilities, and infrastructure.
