House Committee Chair Wants COP28 Agenda Implemented

Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals Development, Hon Gaza Gbefwi, has called for the implementation of the agreed agenda at the just-concluded COP28 Conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirate (UAE).

Gbefwi, who said the conference highlighted the significance of a just transition within the energy value chain, noted that the quest to develop critical minerals had become a focal point for governments, industries, academics and professionals worldwide.

He made the call at the launch of the maiden edition of “The Geologist,’’ a flagship magazine of the Geological Society of Nigeria (GSN) in Abuja, yesterday.

The committee chairman also underscored the need for investors to recognise and capitalise on the immense opportunities presented by the ongoing energy transition.

Gbefwi called on financial institutions, venture capital entities, and the capital market to vigilantly discern and leverage the opportunities intrinsic to Nigeria’s current historical juncture as a country endowed with these critical minerals.

On the commitment of the National Assembly to the development of the sector, he said, “In the light of our responsibilities as representatives of the people, it is imperative to acknowledge the pivotal role played by the mining sector in fostering economic growth within our nation.”

The lawmaker said beyond the contribution to industrial fueling, the solid minerals sector serves as a catalyst for employment generation, thereby propelling progress in both urban and rural domains.

He said, “In light of this celebratory occasion of the launch of ‘The Geologist,’ let us collectively recommit ourselves to the judicious stewardship of our mineral resources. Let us foster an environment wherein research thrives, the exchange of ideas flourishes, and the upcoming generation of geologists and miners is inspired to lead with integrity and innovation.”

Gbefwi acknowledged the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, particularly the attention the solid mineral sector has received, adding that the GSN ceremony transcended the mere introduction of a magazine and the establishment of a geoscience library.

Also, the executive secretary and chief executive officer, Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), Hajiya Fatimah Umaru Shinkafi, who described the president of the GSN, Mr. U. S. Malami, as a mentor, said he had inspired the society to take a bold step that is not predicated on profit.

“So, it is an honour to be at this celebration of success, I am elated and it is in realization of a lot of our dreams and hopes and conversation over the years that we have worked together, and discussed a lot of problems of the sector and how to solve them,” she said.

The president of the Geological Society of Nigeria, Mr Uba Sa’idu Malami, thanked guests and assured them that the group would sustain its efforts to realise set goals.