The Nigerian government is inviting investors from around the world to use the country’s digital tools to get information about its valuable mineral resources. This initiative is a part of the government’s plan to expand the economy and fully utilize the potential of the solid minerals industry.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, made this invitation while speaking to top leaders of international mining companies at the Mines & Money Conference in the United Kingdom on Wednesday. The conference is happening at the Business Design Centre in Islington.
According to a statement signed by Kehinde Bamigbetan, Special Adviser to the Minister of Solid Minerals, Alake mentioned that Nigeria is using digital technology to sell its minerals. This helps businesses get the information they need more easily and makes deals more transparent.
The Minister mentioned three important websites for serious investors: the Nigerian Mineral Decision Support System (NMRDSS), the Electronic Mining Cadastral (EMC+), and the National Geo-Data Centre.
Alake explained that the NMRDSS is a web-based tool that gives users access to geological and economic data, but they can only view it, not change it. This helps people find where minerals are located and make better choices about mining.
“The NMRDSS allows investors to look into the areas where they’re interested in mining. It provides information on things like water, population, land, city planning, and transportation,” he said.
On the EMC+, Alake explained that it’s a web-based, real-time system for managing mineral rights from start to finish. This lets investors study and prepare their applications for these rights from anywhere, as long as they have the necessary information.
He pointed out, “This means investors can study and prepare their applications from a distance, as long as they have the data needed for the application process.”
The minister also praised African geoscientists for creating a new coding system to verify research reports. He believes this has made Nigeria an important player in the global shift towards a green economy.