Human capital strategy firm, BGR Consulting has called on the federal government to prioritise the mining sector in its continued drive towards diversifying the nation’s economy from oil.
The firm said the government needs to provide adequate security and information for business owners to operate effectively, saying security is a huge challenge facing the industry.
Speaking at a 3-day Mining Week in Abuja organised by Miners Association of Nigeria, managing director of BGR Consulting Ltd, Habibah Waziri said security is of utmost importance, adding that even though the government is doing its best, the best is not enough right now.
She said there’s need for a step-by-step programmes to create more awareness for prospective investors to learn about the business. “It is like there’s a certain mining rush that’s happening. Everyone is trying to get into the mining sector, whether or not they know how to operate the business. They are still trying to get into it.
“There should be more education and information to help people facilitate connections and collaborations. Like where to go for consultancy or government agency to go for registration or recruitment or even to acquire your licence. People need clear directions, and I don’t think they’re doing a good job at that.”
Speaking about the firm, Waziri said, “We are the only people-focused consulting firm, which says a lot. What we are trying to do here is to be part of the conversation when it comes to sustainable human capital development. Every single mining operator has people running the mining in the fields, people working the machines, people involved in logistics and supply chain, and people involved in polishing.
“For a conference, that’s six years old, and for a sector that has been mandated by the president for diversifying the economy, it is almost appalling that it is only one consultant that is focused on training of staff, work-life balance, cultural, mental health awareness, skills building and capacity building.
The firm which is Abuja’s first independent precious metals lab in Nigeria, provides an instant, non-destructive, and accurate testing method for precious metals. It currently operates in Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, and in a space of 3 years of operations has trained over 3000.
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