The Minister of Solid Minerals Development of Nigeria has revealed that the Federal Government of Nigeria is setting the strategies in place to institutionalize the empowerment of women for leadership positions in governance structures of the mining sector of the economy of the economy of Nigeria.

Alake disclosed this while unveiling the Gender Strategy for Women in Nigerian Mining and Steel sectors in Abuja.

He said the strategy is a pioneering initiative to foster diversity, empowering women and enhancing the overall sustainability of the mining sector.

“We believe that promoting gender equality is both a moral and strategic decision that will drive innovation, enhance productivity and contribute to the sustainable development of our nation. We encourage our stakeholders to also entrench gender equality in their organizations.

“As we gather here, we recognize the indispensable contributions of women to the success and sustainability of the mining sector role, thereby shaping our nation’s development, their talents, expertise and perspectives are also essential to the success and growth of the mining industry”; the Minister added.

The minister posited that the present administration has demonstrated unwavering commitment to foster diversity and empower women by implementing its roadmap initiative. 

Alake also noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration prioritized gender equity and female participation in its ”Roadmap for the Growth and Development of the Nigerian Mining Industry”. 

According to him,” As part of efforts of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and Ministry of Steel Development, to implement this roadmap initiative, the Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification (MinDiver) engaged a consultancy firm, N & G Consulting Firm Ltd, to develop the gender strategy.”

To this end, as an affirmative and clarion call to action, the Minister declared: “In line with the strategy objectives, which are firmly rooted in the principles of equality, diversity, and empowerment, in both Ministries, we are committed to increasing women’s participation in leadership and governance roles within the mining sector and communities.”

The National President, Women In Mining In Nigeria (WIMIN); Engineer Janet Adeyemi, represented by the National Secretary of the group, Emily Ofodile, stated that the launch serves as a beacon of hope – a rallying cry for collective action and solidarity.

“It is a platform to disseminate these transformative strategies, mobilize stakeholders, and ignite a movement towards meaningful change,” she stated. 

Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary Ministries of Solid Minerals Development and Steel Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe admonished industry players “to remain steadfast in our resolve to implement the gender strategy effectively, ensuring a mining sector that is equitable and inclusive”.

Commenting, Project Coordinator MinDiver, Engineer Sellim Salam, highlighted the importance of engaging a Consultancy firm to do a gender study and map out a strategy that will uplift the benefits and mainstreaming of women in the sector.