Alake seeks partnership with Canada to deepen mining reforms

Alake

By KEMI KAYODE

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake has underscored Nigeria’s readiness to leverage Canada’s advanced mining technology and expertise to strengthen ongoing reforms in the nation’s mining sector.

He emphasized the imperative of enhanced bilateral collaboration to accelerate growth, attract investment, and entrench global best practices in the industry.

Speaking while receiving the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, H.E Pasquale Salvaggio, in his office on Thursday, Alake reflected on history, recalling Canada’s principled support for Nigeria during the pro-democracy struggle that followed the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. He noted that Canada’s firm stance galvanized international backing for democratic restoration, culminating in the return to civil rule in 1999.

“Canada stood firmly on the side of the Nigerian people during our pro-democracy struggle. The cooperation we enjoyed from the Canadian High Commission was exemplary and deeply encouraging. We regarded Canada as an archetypal pro-democracy ally. Today, we are committed to strengthening that relationship, particularly in mining and mineral development, where Canada’s global reputation for excellence is well established,” the Minister stated.

The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to partnering with Canada to de-risk the mining environment, attract foreign direct investment, enhance capacity building for mining professionals, formalize and regulate artisanal mining, and promote technology transfer to support the rapid development of the sector.

Highlighting investment incentives, Alake listed tax waivers on imported mining equipment, full repatriation of profits after meeting statutory obligations such as taxes and royalties, and other fiscal measures designed to create an investor-friendly climate.