President Bola Tinubu has affirmed his commitment to creating a favorable atmosphere for genuine businesses in Nigeria to thrive. Speaking at the 2nd edition of the Africa Natural Resources and Energy Summit (AFNIS) in Abuja, Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, emphasized that the government will no longer tolerate criminal activities and their collaborators.
“We will do everything possible to lower the risks of investment by refraining from interfering in the legitimate operations of duly licensed miners,” Tinubu remarked. “Dear investors, we are determined to create the conducive conditions for genuine businessmen. We welcome you and will assist law-abiding businesses to operate in our country. However, we shall no longer tolerate criminal adventures and their local collaborators who exploit our socio-economic environment to sabotage our nation under the guise of business. Those caught will face the full wrath of our laws.”
The president also highlighted the significance of the AFNIS event as an opportunity to discuss new ideas and showcase new technologies. Tinubu stated, “Our country does not intend to reinvent the wheel. We hope to leverage advancements in technology so that our solid minerals sector can compete on a global scale.”
Tinubu urged geologists, professionals, and all stakeholders in the field to position Nigeria as an intellectual, professional, and industrial hub in solid mineral exploitation, manufacturing, and export in Africa.
Addressing the audience, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, acknowledged the transformative potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector and the vast opportunities it presents. The government is committed to effectively harnessing these resources for the benefit of all Nigerians.
“Our efforts in this direction have already yielded positive results, with increased exploration, investment, and responsible mining practices taking center stage,” Alake stated.
Furthermore, Alake highlighted the global energy landscape’s transformation and the importance of combating climate change. He emphasized the need for Nigeria to embrace clean and sustainable energy sources, promoting renewable energy, and implementing energy efficiency measures.
“Nigeria, with its vast energy potential, is poised to play a pivotal role in this journey. We must work collaboratively to diversify our energy sources, promote renewable energy, and implement energy efficiency measures,” Alake concluded.
These concerted efforts by the Nigerian government reflect a determination to facilitate genuine investments, foster economic growth, and create a prosperous future for all Nigerians.
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