President Bola Tinubu says his administration will ensure that companies engaged in mineral exploration prioritise the health and safety of Nigerians and the host communities.
The President stated this while receiving a presentation titled, ‘Harnessing the Mining Industry for Enhanced National Security and Development: Strategic Options for Nigeria by 2035,’ by Course 32 participants of the National Defence College in Abuja.
The course 32 participants of the National Defence College converged to hold talks with President Tinubu on Harnessing the Mining Industry for Enhanced National Security and Development.
President Tinubu’s administration’s economic development priorities include increasing the mining sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP, which is currently less than 2%.
This will also help to minimise the over-reliance on crude oil production revenues.
The President has now directed security agencies to clampdown on illegal miners frittering away the country’s commonwealth.
The commandant of the National Defence College that has graduated 2,871 participants since inception acknowledged the President’s magnanimity in providing infrastructure for the college, but still requested that President Tinubu considers the completion of the college’s permanent site in Abuja.
The president granted their request, and commended their indepth research on diversifying the economy and their knowledge of war and security.
The 111 participants of NDC Course 32 were drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as 19 international participants from Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America.