Solid Minerals Ministry, NIMC partner to boost digital governance, sector regulation

Nigeria's Ministry of Solid Minerals Development is joining forces with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to bolster digital governance and sector regulation. This partnership is designed to improve oversight, enhance security, and speed up reforms within the nation's solid minerals sector.

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NIMC occupies a critical position in translating policy into reality. It is pivotal to the development of any nation because governance today is driven by data, technology and credible identity systems.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, emphasized the critical role of a robust identity management system for effective governance. He stated that technology, reliable data, and digital identity are indispensable tools for national planning, regulation, investment promotion, and security. Alake highlighted that the ongoing reforms in the mining sector necessitate stronger collaboration with institutions like NIMC to foster transparency and accountability throughout the mining value chain.

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Without identification, we cannot trace; we cannot track, and insecurity will flourish. In the solid minerals sector, we need effective tracking of both legal and illegal operations. A credible identity ecosystem will strengthen regulation, improve enforcement and support our efforts to sanitise the sector.

"Without identification, we cannot trace; we cannot track, and insecurity will flourish," Alake explained. He added that a credible identity ecosystem would significantly strengthen regulation, improve enforcement, and support efforts to sanitize the sector. The Minister identified technology, statistics, data gathering, and digital identity as key drivers for evidence-based policymaking, efficient licensing, better regulatory oversight, and sustainable investment in the mining industry.

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NIMC occupies a critical position in translating policy into reality. It is pivotal to the development of any nation because governance today is driven by data, technology and credible identity systems.

NIMC Director-General, Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, outlined the benefits of integrating identity management into the solid minerals sector. She noted that the recently enacted NIMC Act positions Nigeria to fully embrace a digital governance ecosystem. Integration would enhance database coordination among government agencies, improve regulatory compliance, bolster security, and aid in monitoring mining operators. Furthermore, a reliable digital identity infrastructure would support the implementation of Community Development Agreements between mining companies and their host communities, ultimately promoting transparency in administration and improving public service delivery.

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Without identification, we cannot trace; we cannot track, and insecurity will flourish. In the solid minerals sector, we need effective tracking of both legal and illegal operations. A credible identity ecosystem will strengthen regulation, improve enforcement and support our efforts to sanitise the sector.