The Federal Government has commended the Australian government for its
strategic partnership with the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development in
developing the Nigerian mining sector.
The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, gave the
commendation Tuesday, at the opening session of a two-day capacity
building workshop organised by the Australian High Commission in
collaboration with the ministry in Abuja.
Speaking through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mohammed Abbas,
the Minister noted that Nigeria and Australia have enjoyed a long history
of commercial, cultural and diplomatic links built up over the years.
He noted that the two countries, had in 2002 signed a Memorandum of
Understanding covering political economic, commercial, scientific and
cultural cooperation, adding that both countries are active members of the
Commonwealth and have numerous instances of high-level cooperation on
issues of regional, global and geostrategic significance.
Fayemi appreciated the tremendous support received from the High
Commission during the last African Down Under (ADU) International Mining
Conference in Perth, early in September, 2016.
The Minister stated that the significance of the workshop with the theme
“Policy and Capacity Building Workshop for a Successful and Sustainable
Mining Sector” is to provide information on leading practice from
Australia on building a sustainable mining sector for Nigeria.
He enjoined participants to take advantage of the workshop to share ideas
and exchange experiences to develop their areas of expertise in enhancing
the mineral exploration and mining sector in the country.
In an opening remark the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, His
Excellency Paul Lehmann said the capacity building workshop in the mining
sector is a demonstration of cooperation between Nigeria and Australia.
Mr. Lehmann said two experts from the Western Australian Department of
Mines and Petroleum were in Nigeria to conduct a workshop for Nigerian
mining officials on building a sustainable mining sector for the country.
The workshop is an avenue for sharing experiences, ideas and knowledge in
the industry between the two countries and a tangible and practical
demonstration of what Nigeria and Australia can do together. He said he is
happy that the Ministry is giving full support for the programme.