The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Abubakar Bwari

  • Fed Govt discovers new minerals in virgin areas

    The Federal Government has discovered new occurrences of minerals in previously unknown areas.

    This, it said, is the result of the exploratory activities by the Muhammadu Buhari administration to take the Solid Mineral sector to the Next Level.

    The Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Abubakar Bwari, who broke the news, said the government had revived the sector it found moribund to make the mining environment competitive again.

    Bwari spoke at the inauguration of completed research and development projects and the inspection of ongoing ones at the National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC) in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser (SA) on Media to the Minister, Ishaku Kigbu, the minister said: “We all know that Nigeria is endowed with abundant mineral resources, many of which are of the highest grade and require less money to explore, compared to other countries where they occur.

    Indeed, as a result of the exploratory activities embarked upon by this administration, we have discovered newer and better occurrences of some of these minerals in previously unknown areas.

    “It is, therefore, clear that the policies and programmes embarked upon by the Buhari administration have taken the solid mineral sector to the Next Level. We met a sector that is moribund due to neglect and poor funding, and through deliberate efforts, we have now revived it to make our mining environment competitive again.

    “Government is determined to ensure that the potentials available in this sector are fully realised in order to build a robust economy that is capable of withstanding shocks and fluctuations in the domestic and world oil markets.”

     

     

     

  • Nigerian ore reserve hits 2,542 million tonnes

    Nigeria iron ore reserve stands at 2,542 million tonnes, the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development Abubakar Bwari has disclosed.

    He said that this is at an average quality of 36 percent iron content.

    Bwari stated that Over 95 percent of the current steel production in Nigeria is from scrap metal and the government is focused on developing the upstream mining sector.

    Speaking on Thursday at the 4th International India Steel Conference and Exhibition, tagged India steel expo 2019, he said Nigeria has a total of 43 Steel plants and fabricating outfits in the value chain, 90% of which operate in the downstream sector.

    Special Adviser Media to the Minister Ishaku Kigbu made this known in a statement.

    Read Also: FG seeks power sector exit from dependence on forex

    He stated: “Our desire to develop a vibrant steel industry is evident. We are certain of our ore resource base and the requisite additives for steel production namely: limestone/dolomite, clay/silica sand and coal. Our proven reserve estimate of iron ore stands at 2,542 million tonnes with an average quality of 36% iron content.

    “Over 95 percent of the current steel production in Nigeria is from scrap metal. Consequently, our focus is on developing the upstream mining sector, as we are endowed with huge iron ore deposits.

    “We have a total of 43 Steel plants and fabricating outfits in the value chain, 90 percent of which operate in the downstream sector.

    “Indian companies in particular have been very reliable players in this sector which makes it more imperative for us to be here.

    ‘’This is the narrative we are set to change by all means since estimates from audit studies put our production at 1.3 Million tonnes of steel for 2017.

    “Our target is to increase present total mining sector contribution to the national GDP from 0.3 percent to 3 percent in 2019 & 10% – 15% by 2025; increase steel consumption per capita from less than 10kg to 40kg by 2025 and increase contribution of the steel sector to the basic raw material input of other strategic sectors.

    “The existing capacities in the steel industry are encouraging; the country spends about $3.3Million on importation of different Steel products according to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics report – a gap which presents great opportunities for investment.”

  • Oil price fluctuation affects budget planning – FG

    The Federal Government (FG) have said that oil price fluctuation in the international market affects budget planning in the country.

    Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige  who made the comment said that the price fluctuation scenario also causes confusion for Nigeria in terms of projections.

    He said that Nigerians need to be encouraged to go into the mining sector especially the area of precious stones to enable the issue of oil be a thing of the past.

    Speaking in Abuja at the African Gems and Jewelry Exhibition and Seminar (AGJES2018), titled ‘mines to market, collaborating to improve industry linkages’, Ngige said that the only way Nigeria can know it has stability is through mining because the prices bearly sways.

    His words, “When you talk of the mining industry, you must talk about the workers there, unfortunately today in the industry, what we have there are illegal workers and artisinal miners who are not documented. We know that it takes just a little thing to make them formal sector miners, just form corperatives for them, we need to look into the issue of corperatives in agriculture, mining, oil and gas everywhere because it is through corperatives that we can get them well documented properly, formalized and encouraged.

    Read Also: Fire guts Forte Oil petrol station at Lagos Airport

    “We need to encourage people to go into the mining industry, especially in the area of precious stones, we should try to encourage and when we do, the oil issue will be a thing of the past. Oil i no longer envouge, infact the price fluctuation scenario causes confusion for Nigeria in terms of our projections and budgeting.

    “The only area where we can know we have stability because the prices rearly sways is in mining so we pray that God will assist Nigeria.”

    Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Hon. Abubakar Bwari said that the sheer beauty of Nigeria’s gemstones, makes them easy prey for smugglers.

    His words, “I am impressed by the seminar component of this event because for too long Nigeria was seen as an oil nation rather than a mining nation despite the fact that mining began here in 1902.

    “The seminars will therefore help in educating the world about the beautiful gemstones we have in Nigeria from the blue sapphires at the plains of the Mambilla to the amazing rubelite tourmaline that recently sold at 180 dollars per carat. Ironically, the sheer beauty of our gemstones make them easy prey for smugglers and money launderers. We have since began reforms in the sector with the hope of ensuring proper policing of the gemstone sector across the value chain from prospecting, to exploration, to mining, processing and marketing.

    “The central point of our gem policy is to ensure due process in our gemstone mining and marketing activities in line with international best practices. We also hope to help artisans get good prices for their gemstones while boosting our GDP by ensuring due repatriation of gemstone export proceeds through the CBN.”

  • Power: FG considers safe use of nuclear, geothermal energy

    The Federal Government (FG) has confirmed it is considering the safe use of nuclear and geothermal energy to improve power supply in the country.

    Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Hon. Abubakar Bwari said the government has been interfacing with the Nigerian Atomic Energy Agency towards advancing the safe use of nuclear energy.

    He also said that other African Countries already have a head start in terms of research on geothermal energy, which Nigeria can take a cue from to develop a robust approach to acquiring new energy resource.

    Speaking on Thursday in Abuja at the Nigerian Mining and Geo sciences Society (NMGS), Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) 2018-NMGS-NGSA discourse series, Bwari stated that the discourse which is on Geothermal Energy promises to be quite exciting.

    He advised the experts to approach the issue through modular basis by taking care of regional and area specific demands, particularly rural areas, rather than making each geothermal station feed the entire nation.

    His words, “As a result, the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development has consistently been a critical player in advancing alternative supply of energy. In this regard, we have worked closely with the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing in the coal to power programme.

    Read Also: NLC condemns killing of health workers in North East

    “Indeed, sourcing for and characterizing the coal resources in Nigeria have become the basis for policy direction regarding this initiative. We have also been interfacing with the Nigerian Atomic Energy Agency towards advancing the safe use of nuclear energy.

    “Actually, in the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development Roadmap, we have specifically focused on the exploration of Energy Minerals including Coal, Bitumen and Uranium out of the growing list of 44 mineral types that we have in Nigeria.

    “I am aware that some countries, even our sister African Countries, already have a head start in terms of research on geothermal energy. Information available shows that Kenya for instance, has achieved about 1000mw of energy from geothermal energy. Nigeria can therefore take a cue from this and develop a robust approach to acquiring this new energy resource.

    “Experts advise that we approach this through modular basis by taking care of regional and area specific demands, particularly rural areas, rather than making each geothermal station feed the entire nation.

    “It is interesting to note that apart from providing us with more power, Geothermal ecosystem also offers opportunities in geo-tourism as exemplified by our warm springs which have been largely underdeveloped.”

  • Mining: Nigeria records 2m illegal miners

    …90% percent miners are illegal

    Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Hon. Abubakar Bwari has revealed that the record of Nigeria’s illegal miners has climbed to 2 million.

    According to him, these miners who are mostly poor and unemployed are responsible for 90 per cent of the country’s mineral production.

    Speaking on Monday in Abuja at the first National Stakeholders’ Discourse on Opportunities and Challenges of Artisanal Mining in Nigeria, Bwari also revealed that close to 50 million people are involved globally.

    He also said that these illegal miners who are referred to as Artisanal and Smallscale Miners (ASM) are found mining precious minerals like gold, silver, cassiterite, coltan, lead/zinc, sapphire, emerald etc.

    His words, “This stakeholders forum comes at a time when the activities of artisanal miners globally have reached unprecedented scale. According to the International Institute for Sustainable Development (2018), close to 50 million people are now engaged in artisanal mining globally.

    “With the renewed interest in Mining brought about by the current administration’s diversification efforts, at least 2 million people in Nigeria are now directly or indirectly dependant on ASM for their livelihood.

    “Most of them are poor and unemployed, living in rural areas and employing crude methods and household implements to exploit these minerals which they sell to feed their families.

    Read Also: FEC okays N230.28b for roads, mining

    “Yet at this stage in our development, these are the people responsible for 90 per cent of the country’s mineral production. They are mostly to be found mining precious minerals like gold, silver, cassiterite, coltan, lead/zinc, sapphire, emerald, tourmaline, aquamarine, gypsum, barytes, silica sand, granite, sandstones, clay, salt, etc.

    “Therefore, while we cannot afford to criminalise their activities wholesale, we also cannot fold our arms and watch as the damage to the lives of our people and the environment continues unabated.

    “Some of the environmental problems arising from ASM operations are: lead poisoning, mercury pollution, land/soil degradation, deforestation, poor sanitation, degradation of river banks, and heavy metals pollution.

    “Moreover, the use of inappropriate mining methods and unwholesome mineral ore processing techniques impact dangerously on public health as they expose the general populace to heavy metal pollution and outbreak of infectious diseases such as cholera, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases and drug abuse. ”

    Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Abdulkadir Muazu stated that the government is working to ensure a robust Artisanal sector in the country.

    He said, “Amidst the difficult regulatory challenges, government is assiduously working to enthrone a vibrant and robust ASM sector in Nigeria. This forum is therefore germane to our effort to properly organize the ASM such that: miners can earn decent living; communities can benefit from exploitation of mineral resources in their domains without bearing huge external costs; and government can earn corresponding revenues from the sector. I will therefore urge every participant to commit every effort towards ensuring that the purpose of this event is accomplished.”

  • 11 universities to share FG’s N84m research grant

    The Acting Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Hon. Abubakar Bwari, said on Saturday that at least 11 universities in the country would share the Federal Government’s N84 million research grant.

    The fund, spread amongst the tertiary institutions, is basically for geological mapping, mining engineering and materials and metallurgical engineering.

    Bwari, who disclosed this while presenting letters of participation in research development to representatives of the universities, said the federal government has made data generation, retrieval and storage a priority and has continued to invest hugely in the area.

    The institutions are – Obafemi Awolowo University (N9 million), Federal University of Technology Minna, (N9 million), University of Nigeria Nsukka, (N9 million), Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, (N9 million), University of Port Harcourt (N6.5 million) and University of Jos (N6.5 million).

    Others are – University of Lagos (N6.5 million), University of Ibadan (N6.5million), Nasarawa State University, Keffi, (N6.5 million), Ebonyi State University, Abakiliki, (N6.5 million) and Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, (N9 million).

    Bwari said: ” I am delighted to be here today to present Letters of Participation in Research Development to representatives of some of Nigeria’s foremost universities as part of our ministry‘s collaboration with tertiary institutions.

    “I am told that this is the first time the ministry will be giving out such assistance to universities research purposes, but I can assure you that this will certainly not be the last.

    “In the last two and half years, this ministry has established a consistent pattern of engaging and listening to stakeholders in order to secure their input into policy formulation and implementation.

    “This administration has therefore made data generation, retrieval and storage a priority and has continued to invest hugely in this area. As our source of funding improves, we intend to continuously increase the amount of money we spend on this critical component of mining.

    “The N84 million that is being shared by 11 universities today for research development in various areas relating to mapping and evaluation of particular mineral deposits will no doubt increase the fountain of geoscience data available to investors.”

  • Mining: Russia declare interest in re-investing in steel sector

    Russia has declared its interest in re-investing in the Nigerian steel sector.

    Acting Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Hon. Abubakar Bwari, said that Russia was part of the Soviet Union when Nigeria’s dream of steel independence began with the Ajaokuta plant even though it is yet to be realized.

    He said that very soon, all the issues surrounding some of the country’s national assets will soon be resolved.

    The Minister spoke in Abuja, while receiving the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria Mr. Alexey Shebarshin.

    His words, “I am sure the Russians will not be surprised when we talk of mining in Nigeria because of our history and relationship, Russia was part of the Soviet Union that had a good economic relationship with Nigeria that led to the establishment of Ajaokuta Steel Plant, unfortunately the objectives of the plant is yet to be realized but I believe that with the renewed attention to the sector and this relationship we are about to start again, we believe the dreams are realizable.

    Read Also: How we’ll grow Nigeria’s steel sector- Fayemi

    “And very soon, Ajaokuta will come back to life again and I believe that we have the political will to do just that. Russia was also involved in the Aluminum Smelting Company in Ikot Abasi. The issues surrounding it are almost being resolved and I have received an update from BPE and i believe that we are on the part of getting it right again.

    “All the issues surrounding some of these important national assets are almost resolved and I believe that our relationship with Russia will not stop with these one or two plants. The ambassador discussed a company that was in Nigeris from 1968-1983 that has shown interest in coming back to Nigeria to continue what they started in the area of geological survey and they want us to invite them very soon to come to Nigeria.

    “The ambassador has said that his mission is to improve the country’s relationship with Russia particularly in the area of economic development. We will like to discuss further on this and if necessary go over there.”

    The Ambassador in his speech said, “Before coming to Abuja, I met with Russian officials and private companies that want to cooperate with Nigeria on Solid Minerals, one of such company is a Russian mineral deposits prospecting company, JSC Zarubezhgeologia who has declared its interest in working with the solid minerals sector.”

  • FG compelled to re-strategize on lead poison eradication – Osinbajo

    The Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has said that the Federal Government (FG) will have to re-strategize its efforts in tackling lead poisoning.

    Osinbajo added that the current efforts used in tackling lead poisoning which occurs due to artisanal gold mining has been inadequate.

    He warned that as Nigeria progresses in gold mining production, the country must ensure it keeps from practices that harms its health and environment.

    Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja at the 2nd International Conference on Lead poisoning, Prof. Osinbajo said that no country should have to pay for its economic prosperity and development with the lives and well-being of its people.

    His words, “The thousands of children who did not die of lead poisoning in Zamfara and Niger states may have to live with cognitive and other diablities.

    “Many of these children may never attain their full potentials. We must start by admitting that the current efforts to tackle lead poisoning in artisanal gold mining have not been adequate, the fact that the Niger State lead poisoning outbreak occurred five years after we thought we had contained the problem in Zamfara is a reason for concern.

    Read Also: Osinbajo: Fed Govt highly disturbed over Plateau killings

    “Indications of re contamination in previously re-mediated sites in Zamfara compels us to retrieve and refocus our commitment and strategy to protecting our vulnerable children and communities at large. As Nigeria progresses in gold mining, we must ensure that we do not do it in a way that harms the health or environment.

    “Those who say that they prefer the option of death by lead poisoning rather than poverty offer a hard choice, artisanal mining and the life to enjoy the wealth from it should be the option, no country should have to pay for its economic prosperity and development with the lives and well-being of its people.

    “I am confident that this conference will produce a coordinated prevention plan that leverages all the lessons learnt so far and bringing local, state, and federal authorities as well as civil society and the corporate into alignment.

    “We must avoid working in silence and expect to solve the problem, especially because this problem cuts across sectors and disciplines. I strongly believe that a carefully thought out and comprehensive national plan that focuses on population and community based prevention of lead poisoning associated with artisanal gold mining is the way to yield the desired results.”

    Acting Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Hon Abubakar Bwari stated that following the Shikira incident, the government constituted an inter-ministerial committee on lead eradication.

    His words,” This administration has been quite proactive in dealing with cases of lead poisoning, and following the Shikira incident, government constituted an inter-ministerial committee comprising Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Federal Ministry of Health, and Federal Ministry of Environment amongst others, to tackle the outbreaks, in partnership with other key actors including the MSF. Zamfara and Niger State Governments, Local Government Council of affected areas and leadership of host communities.

  • Fayemi hands over ministry to Acting Minister

    Dr Kayode Fayemi, the former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, on Wednesday officially handed over the leadership of the ministry to the Minister of State, Alhaji Abubakar Bwari.

    Kayode handed over documents in his custody in Abuja, to enable Bwari to execute the functions of the ministry appropriately.

    According to him, much is still needed to be done to make the sector a mining destination.

    He commended the acting minister who served as minister of state under him, saying that his support and wise counsel helped in moving the sector forward.

    Bwari appreciated the minister for time spent together, adding that both of them served in oneness, unity and understanding.

    Read Also: Updated: FEC bids Fayemi farewell

    “There were no grudges between us when we were serving together; that is why we were able to move the sector forward.

    “I want to use this opportunity to apologise to Fayemi, in case I had offended him at the course of performing our duties together.

    He said that Fayemi did his best at the local and international levels to move the sector forward and also impacted greatly in the lives of the ministry’s staff.

    Mr Zubairu Abdulahi, the Director of Human Resources who spoke on behalf of the directors in the ministry, wished the outgoing minister well in his future endeavours.

     

    NAN

  • Reps pass vote of no confidence on Fayemi, Bwari

    Reps pass vote of no confidence on Fayemi, Bwari

     

    The House of Representatives has passed a vote of no confidence on the Minister of  Mines and Steel  Kayode  Fayemi and his deputy, Minister of State, Abubakar Bwari for failing its invitation to address the parliament on the state of the nation’s steel sector with particular reference to the Ajaokuta Steel Company.

    Though the non appearance of the two Ministers did not affect the commencemen of the sectoral debate, the House is to constitute an ad hoc committee to investigate the state of Ajaokuta Steel Company that was 98 percent completed since 1993 but has remained stagnated till date.

    The lawmakers said the attitude of the two Ministers has lent credence  to insinuations that there were too many incompetent Ministers in the government of the day.

    The decision of the House followed the adoption of a motion by the House Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, who said the attitude of the two Ministers amounted to lack of courtesy for the parliament despite being informed of the importance of the debate to the Nigerian economy.

    After his opening remarks, Speaker Yakubu Dogara explained why the need for the sectoral debate was meant to prevent the sector and the steel company from imminent total collapse.

    He said that the Ministers could not claim ignorance of the invitation having been written on 16th February, adding that the Ministry’s  Permanent Secretary replied the letter.

    The lawmakers were angered.

    Reacting to the Ministers’ absence, Hassan Ado Doguwa, Chief Whip of the House said the non-appearance of the two Ministers was an affront on the entire people of Nigeria being their elected representatives.

    “This attitude is unfortunate, unacceptable and we cannot tolerate it, no one should undermine the parliament in the name of being a Minister”, he said.

    Minority Whip, Yakubu Barde said the attitude of the two Ministers has shown that being members of the party in government, the two have no respect for their leaders.

    While he said his reaction was non partisan, he urged his colleagues to apply the law on the two.

    Umar Bago (APC, Niger) said the unnecessary romance of the House with the Executive arm of governmwnt has ended with the attitude of the Ministers.

    “Its time to draw the line, because they have over crossed the line,” he added.

    Aminu Shagari (APC, Sokoto) said the event of the day was the constatnt frustration of Committees of the House go through in the hands of Chief Executive Officers of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government,

    Uzoma Nkem-Abonta(PDP, Abia) said the attitude of the Ministers was not only painful but worrisome, describing  the absence as executive rascality, “I don’t think they know the effect of this affront on the Legislature  because of the effect this is likely to generate.

    “There must be a sanction, they are just ignorant because they ought to know the provisions of the constitution to know the implications of their actions.

    “This confirms the insinuations that we have too many incompetent Ministers. I suggest that they be made to appear immediately,” he said.

    Zakari Mohammed (APC, Kwara) said it was the obligation of the parliament to check the excesses of the legislature, “They must tender an apology and be summoned to appear before us and be arrested if they refused again” he said.

    The Speaker said the House has all the tools to make the Ministers appear before the House at plenary after which he put to the motion to vote and was unanimously adopted.