The Nigerian Chamber of Mines and Geological Workers has applauded the renewal of the tenure of Hajia Fatima Umaru-Shinkafi as the executive secretary of Solid Minerals Development Fund/Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (SMDF/PAGMI) by President Bola Tinubu.
Chairman of the association, Silas Kefas in a statement in Abuja, yesterday, said it was a well thought out decision and underscored the government’s confidence in her impactful leadership aimed at harnessing the solid minerals sector’s full potential and economic diversification essential for sustainable development and prosperity.
It described Hajia Fatima Umaru-Shinkafi as a visionary leader and master strategist in the solid minerals industry, noting that her laudable reforms have revolutionalised the sector, attracted local and foreign investors, and repositioned Nigeria as a competitive player in the global minerals market.
“With a renewed mandate, the solid minerals industry will witness significant advancement in the promotion of artisanal gold mining and value chain development, capacity building, job creation, infrastructural development, enhanced export capacity, financial prudence and significant contribution to the country’s gross domestic product that will revive the economy and foster prosperity to citizens.
“With a deep understanding of the solid minerals sector’s challenges and prospects, she will effectively tackle illegal mining, poor regulatory compliance and formulate policies that promote best practices in the industry,” it said.
It recalls with pride the recent SMDF’s empowerment programme for 1000 women entrepreneurs in gemstone mining and utilisation as part of efforts towards contributing to the nation’s economic diversification, starting with 100 women participants in Lagos.
“We are optimistic that thousands of women and youth will benefit from this worthy programme that will improve their well-being and make them self-reliant.
“We identify with Fatima Umaru-Shinkafi’s remarkable leadership and will always partner with SMDF/PAGMI to take the solid minerals sector to greater heights. We are all in it together to diversify and revamp the economy in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement reads.
