In its efforts to stem the tide of revenue loss in the solid mineral sector, the Federal Government has trained a total of 120 youths and women in Plateau State on artisanal and small-scale mining.
The week-long capacity building, which was under the auspices of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, ended in Jos on Friday.
Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners currently dominate over 80% of the Nigerian mining landscape, but contribute only a fraction in terms of revenue to the Federation Account due to the informal nature of their operations, and the associated challenges.
This perhaps is the reason for this training and formalization/adoption of the ASMs, so that the country could benefit from their activities.
MUST READ: Police in Plateau raid kidnappers den, release six abducted persons
The United Nations Development Programme in Nigeria said the initiative is a model for revitalizing the artisanal and small-scale mining subsector, as well as boosting solid minerals production, and revenue generation in Nigeria with a Promise to sustain it’s support for Nigeria.
The Plateau State Government and other Stakeholders Appreciated the Initiative and drew the attention of the Federal Government to the devastating effects of illegal mining to the environment in the State.
The high point of the event, was the distribution of equipment to the Artisanal Miners which marks the beginning of their corporate recognition and active participation in the business of nation-building for these ASMs.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
