Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics - Politics (189) - Nairaland
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| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by Nobody: 5:37pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
[size=13pt]Maximising Nigeria’s solid minerals potential[/size] Jide Ojo A recent news report on the African Independent Television on Nigeria’s solid mineral industry got me thinking. Nigeria is too rich to be poor. Our only poverty, to my mind, is poverty of the mind to do the right thing. How can a country so richly blessed in natural resources be complaining of being broke? Countries like Cuba, Israel and Japan do not have a fraction of the natural endowments of Nigeria, yet they are developed countries by virtue of their ability to think out of the box. I know that many countries envy Nigeria and will like to trade position with us for the gargantuan natural resources at our disposal. They are ashamed for us; indeed mock us, for our inability to harness these God’s gifts for our national development. They term our experience a resource curse. Are we cursed or are we the cause? My humble submission is that we are the cause, and not that we are under any curse. From time immemorial, successive administrations in this country have been parroting the same thing. They all pledge to diversify the country’s economy and wean it off its eternal dependence on a monoculture – oil. They promise to make agriculture the focal point of the economy. They talk of agric-business. Towards this end, they launched all manner of schemes such as Green Revolution, Back to the Land, and Operation Feed the Nation. They also pledged to focus on exploration and exploitation of Nigeria’s vast solid mineral deposits. Sadly, the initiatives have turned out to be largely a lip service. My research findings on the state of Nigeria’s solid mineral sector were overwhelming. Did you know that this suffering motherland has 44 mineral resources many of which are in commercial quantities? Nasarawa State goes by the appellation “Home of Solid Minerals”. Indeed, it is, as it is, one of the most endowed states in Nigeria in terms of the availability of economically and commercially viable natural resources. These include clay columbite, ilmenite, mica, barytes, pyrite, galena, limestone, sodium chloride, ephalerite, silica sand, granites, and tantalite. Others are sphalerite, talc, gemstone (tourmaline, aquamarine and sapphire), halcopyrite, topaz, cassiterite, emerald, heliodor, amethyst, quartz, coking coal, marble, and iron ore. Did you know that solid mineral explorations preceded oil and gas explorations in the country? While organised mining began in 1903, oil was discovered in Oloibiri, Bayelsa State in 1956. Have you heard that the commercial value of Nigeria’s solid minerals is estimated to run into hundreds of trillions of dollars, with 70 per cent of these buried in the bowels of Northern Nigeria? In 2012, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Steel reportedly said that from our precious metals, specifically from gold exploitation alone, Nigeria was losing N8tn ($50bn) annually. Sad, very sad! Experts are of the opinion that at the moment, mining of minerals in Nigeria accounts for only 0.3 per cent of its GDP due to the influence of oil resources. According to NEITI audit report on solid mineral operation in Nigeria, there are six buying centers, nine dredging companies, 11 exporters of solid minerals, 14 medium scale mining companies, 35 commercial quarries, 54 construction quarries, eight quarries for manufacturing giving a total of one hundred and 37 activities in the solid mineral sector of the Nigerian economy. A report on the Physical and Process Flows in Nigeria Solid Minerals Industry 2011 prepared by Haruna Yahaya & Co. (Chartered Accountants) reportedly indicates that there are no adequate records of operations in the sector. It further reveals that though the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act 2007 requires that any exporter of solid minerals must request permit to export minerals, in defiance to the Act, there is no available evidence of request for permit or approval to export minerals by the companies. The report further says, “The informal players are mostly artisan miners, medium scale operators and illegal miners who hardly keep any record. Some of the minerals mined in Nigeria are exported out of the country by both formal and informal players. There are no official records from the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development on the actual volume of minerals exported out of Nigeria within the period under review.” Isn’t this mind-boggling! Experts say that development of mineral resources is the foundation upon which an industrialised economy is built, and this is essential if Nigeria is to reduce over-dependence on the oil industry – a sector which, despite the revenue it generates, provides employment for just six per cent of the Nigerian labour force. At present, the Federal Government owns, controls and monitors the exploitation and exploration of natural solid mineral resources. However, nothing stops the various states where these solid minerals are located from applying for licence to explore and exploit them just like private investors currently do. Quite unfortunately, low level capacity to manage solid mineral exploration, lack of political will, and corruption have made this option to be unsuitable to them. It will be recalled that government-owned solid mineral exploration companies in the past have had to be sold off completely or concessioned to private investors. The unpleasant stories of Ajaokuta Steel Complex, Aladja Steel Rolling Mills, Osogbo Steel Rolling Mills and Oluwa Glass Industry in Ondo State still rankle. It has been suggested that a simplification of the procedures for obtaining mining licences is key to future development of the solid mineral sector. In the past, efforts to generate growth in the industry had allegedly been thwarted by bureaucracy and the absence of a focused federal policy. Therefore, the emphasis should be on providing transparent procedures that will help develop an industry led by the private sector. Tax concessions, deferred royalty payments, availability of social infrastructures such as good roads and rail network, electricity, pipe borne water, security, and reliable dispute adjudicatory systems are among the incentives that can encourage investment. While President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration works at that, it is also important for the regulatory bodies in the solid mineral industry to enforce punishment against legal and illegal miners who are daily causing environmental degradation in their host communities. In the earlier referenced AIT news report, there were footages of how artisanal miners dug over 300 mining pits in an Ijesha community in Osun State. A similar story was reported at a limestone mining site in Kogi State. All licensed miners must be forced to adhere strictly to their corporate social responsibility initiatives while the illegal miners must be apprehended and prosecuted in courts for their illicit acts. http://punchng.com/maximising-nigerias-solid-minerals-potential/ |
| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by zimoni(f): 5:37pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
Aareonakakanfo: Aare, have you seen FOBO? They changed FUBU to FOBO. A friend of mine bought the shirt, he didn't know until we started bashing him in class. WE ARE INDUSTRIOUS. I dey laugh. |
| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by WIZGUY69(m): 5:38pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
they are irritating. I swear. |
| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by Nobody: 5:39pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
About Fayemi Ministerial appointment, am both happy and have this feelings of concern for the natural/ solid minerals deposited in Odualand... Since Yoruba land have high deposit of solid minerals in Nigeria, if am not mistaken... Now if Fayemi must work then I think those minerals will be tapped, and what will be our (Yoruba) gain, since we are not operating regional government... We have gain nothing from feeding Nigeria with our Intelligence (more reason why fashola is loaded with power, work and housing Minister),skills and other stuff... Now Solid minerals might be inclusive... 3 Likes |
| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by Nobody: 5:40pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
zimoni: There's nothing I haven't seen these guys make when it comes to clothing/accessories. I think I once said it here that I had a lot of these guys as my neighbours I sabi dem die.I can write a book about them.I just don't want to digress 2 Likes |
| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by Ritchiee: 5:40pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
ProfShymex:I didn't know you noticed.The only place they can lord it over the Yorubas in trade is Nigeria,reason they don't have billionares outside of Nigeria like the Yorubas... |
| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by zimoni(f): 5:43pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
WIZGUY69: It could be a mistake, like the one below. I dey laugh. 2 Likes
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| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by modath(f): 5:43pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
zimoni: Not only you,apart from the preggy & mummy threads, this is my harbour on NL, the Romanis have totally ruined the politics board with iwa were, alainilakaaye to wa ninu won. 1 Like |
| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by Nobody: 5:44pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
Fashola handling 3 sectors is a bad move Power on its own is like mount Kilimanjaro. Even his predecessors who handled just power alone were unable to achieve anything Combining that with works and housing is hectic 1 Like |
| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by Shymm3x: 5:48pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
Ritchiee: That's cos most folks haven't traveled out of Nigeria. I honestly don't know how anyone will say they're better at business than Yorubas when over 90% of the Nigerian businesses out here are owned by Yorubas. And I don't want to hear that crap that there aren't that much Igbos out there cos there are loads of them. Heck, Yoruba businesses in the UK outnumbers all other African businesses put together - fact. Only Somalis have a lot of businesses out here and Somalis are naturally traders, anyway. 1 Like |
| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by WIZGUY69(m): 5:49pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
zimoni:  are you kidding me?
those mistake can only come from the most industrious people.3 Likes |
| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by zimoni(f): 5:50pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
modath: Good evening ma'am. A ku ise oni, emi sese fe kuro l'office ni. Inu mi dun fun appointment ti won fun awon ara wa, mo gbadura ki Olorun ran won lowo lati se aseyori. I'm happy. Now, I can chant Sai Baba. Don't blame me, Nigeria is namu namu/tiwa n tiwa. God will see them through. 2 Likes 1 Share |
| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by itstpia8: 5:51pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
ba7man: if you know the possibilities of having a giant technological construction staring at you right in your backyard, you will pray for pit latrines to come back. |
| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by superduperjay: 5:53pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
Nigeria wants to use yoruba(fashola,adeosun,fayemi etc) brain finish and still they won't kiss our feet as we walk by. Or am I asking for too much by asking nigerians to be kissing yoruba feet  3 Likes |
| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by Shymm3x: 5:55pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
I think we might have to create a medium outside this place to discuss certain issues. I know the older heads were planning one before, but I had to opt out of that in a sly way cos I'm never comfortable around older Yoruba folks. And if I can't disagree with folks, I won't be able to get my points across. Also, cos I do observe posters a lot - I just never really liked some of the folks mentioned. I'm not a fan of two-faced folks. Then you have some chameleons/snakes in the mix as well. I definitely can't relate to folks who try to post to me on one hand, and in a snakey way report my handles and other Yoruba posters' handles all the time - while trying to support those who instigate shiit. I don't like snakes/jakes/fakes/frauds. At least I've known Ilekehd for three years now and from personal observations, I know what she can/can't do. Ditto 9jacrip, Superstar1, and a few other folks. And I know Aareonakakanfo is legit and passionate about Yoruba. Since we all share the same passion - we might as well start building something. What do you guys think? |
| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by zimoni(f): 5:56pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
Aareonakakanfo: His hair is going to become whitish, like that of Prof Soyinka, in the next four years. I wish Fashola best of luck. Now, I'm happy and proud of Jagaban of Borgu. 1 Like
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| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by Nobody: 6:00pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
zimoni: Zimoni! FOBO sounds sexual danu danu  |
| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by zimoni(f): 6:01pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
Shymm3x: It's a good idea Duke. How do we go about it? |
| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by razid: 6:01pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
When they call themselves traders I always laugh. If we have a sane government, most of them will die a natural death or better still find legit business to do. Have you bought memory cards lately? You'll see something like CHIBUZO, EZE, UGOH and the memory cards na kpeme if you buy one. They have also gone to bastardize the diapers business. Now HUGHES has turned to HUGO. I don't think those people have fear of God in them. I think they are naturally configured to do bad business. The one that pained me most is selling used tyres as new. A friend of mine almost lost his life due to that. Because he didn't want to fall into their trap, he travelled all the way to Ibadan to buy a new tyre. He had a bust at Ikire when coming back. Those people eh, na wash when it comes to doing legit business. 3 Likes |
| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by Nobody: 6:03pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
Shymm3x: Loooooooool! That is one helluva division of labour! |
| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by Ibebe: 6:03pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
Shymm3x: Will be back with my response....busy  |
| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by Nobody: 6:03pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
Ibebe:Yabbing to the core |
| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by zimoni(f): 6:04pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
9jacrip: haaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Egbon, e jowo don't go there oooooo. Lest awon iya will flee. Low-key(according to Aare), don't mind them ooooo. Dem dey claim retirees as if retiree dey lose form. I dey laugh. |
| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by Nobody: 6:04pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
Aareonakakanfo: Lol |
| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by Shymm3x: 6:08pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
Aareonakakanfo: Lol. That was why I said I've got "mixed feelings" about it. The bar is too high, especially for the bottomless pit that power is. They're probably trying to nuke his credibility cos he's being groomed to rule Nigeria. I don't know, man. Can't celebrate that. |
| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by Nobody: 6:08pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
Good idea shymm3x and those who will make things happen can be invited as well |
| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by Shymm3x: 6:09pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
zimoni: We'll discuss it and exchange ideas. 1 Like |
| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by Ritchiee: 6:09pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
Shymm3x:One prays they get their Biafra so that naked reality can hit them in their faces that Nigeria had really been a great help to them.Biafra would also give way to the disintegration of the forced marriage...this is my prayer... 3 Likes |
| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by razid: 6:10pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
Aareonakakanfo:He already had a template to work with. He has handled all those sectors as a governor. He just need to replicate it at the federal. I would have preferred him being given power or works alone but who knows, that might be a pointer to his presidency some day. At least they have no excuse on Osodi/Apapa Expressway and there won't be any Obanikoro to throw spanner in his wheel any longer in Lagos. If he would listen to me, his first priority in South West should be Lagos/Ibadan, Oshodi/Apapa expressway. Another thing is that all the governors in South West can now fix federal roads in their domains as they now have an ally as Minister of Works. 3 Likes |
| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by Shymm3x: 6:10pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
razid: Lmao at Hughes turning to Hugo. These folks are just criminals. 3 Likes |
| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by Nobody: 6:12pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
Shymm3x: Loool I think so as well.Who knows,this might even be a trap The fact that all the guys who have occupied this position have never succeeded says a lot 1 Like |
| Re: Yoruba Commonwealth and Politics by Nobody: 6:12pm On Nov 11, 2015 |
Shymm3x: I'm in, as long as it is pro-Yoruba. As you said, I would love for everyone on the train to be as straight as possible. I'm generally usually straight with someone even though my first few meetings with someone is usually based on observation but I'm mostly straight. If the idea is going to get far, honesty and openness is germaine. We may also need to consider a peace and conflict resolution arm considering exchange of ideas may get things heated up in the long run and we all handle things differently. Eguerrilla talked to me about something like this at a point but it never materialized. I hope this works. |
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