Mr. Chairman,
My delegation wishes to reaffirm its alignment with the positions canvassed by
the African Group and Group of 77 on the issue of mining for sustainable
development at this CSD review session.
I would like to emphasize that the Government of Nigeria is presently
restructuring her mining industry to comply with national and global aspirations
for sustainable development. We would therefore appreciate the support of the
global community as we continue to deploy legal, regulatory and operational
instruments provided in our 2007 Mineral and Mining Act.
One of the key areas of immediate need is institutional strengthening and
capacity building including human resources development. In renewing our focus
on sustainable mining, we are now more committed to enforcing the
implementation of social and environmental obligations by miners to the
communities where they are operating.
Mr. Chairman,
Nigeria has made great progress in promoting and organizing small scale miners,
including carrying out environmental impact assessment for mining projects.
Mineral markets have been developed and the provision of loans to small scale
miners is in place. The challenge for the country is proper allocation of lands for
projects, including preparation of active plans, metal and stock exchanges and the
stakeholders? engagement. Further challenges include:
a. Several and different types of models from the World Bank and other
agencies in their efforts to encourage mining activities,
b. Inability to ascertain the mining laws suitable for the country,
c. Enforcement of the global monitoring system in the country,
d. Effective education and understanding of exploration time laws and
e. Provision of social security by the different tiers of Government.
Nigeria has carried out geophysical survey over a quarter of the mineral zones of
the country. The country?s National Geological Survey is also carrying out a
second phase covering 50% of the country, to assist investors in setting up mines.
In addition there is a national institution already in place to address Extractive
Industries Transparency Initiative.
Also the effort to expand stakeholders? participation is being coordinated under
the auspices of Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee
set up by the Government. Membership of the Committee includes mining
operators, mining communities, and State and Local Government Authorities. We
intend, in the coming years, to use this platform to open new vistas for effective
partnership for sustainable mining activities.
Mr. Chairman,
Finally, I would like to use this medium to confirm that Nigeria is committed to
the implementation of regional and global partnerships for sustainable mining
practices. We shall collaborate fully with all and sundry in promoting sustainable
mining practices.
I thank you.
