By Rabi Momoh
The Federal Government would ensure that women would be part of the key decision making process in the ongoing transformation of the Solid Minerals sector.
The assurance was recently given by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, who emphasised that mining was a critical driver of economic growth, and as such, women’s participation in the sector was not only a matter of fairness but a necessity for sustainable development.
He stated this during the first International Mining Women Conference in Abuja, themed “Empowering Women In The Mining Sector: Promoting Gender Equality, Economic Empowerment And Investment Opportunities.”
According to Alake, it is imperative that an enabling environment be created to support female entrepreneurs, professionals, and investors in the mining and metal industries.
Women, the minister noted, will bring unique perspectives, skills, and leadership styles that would enhance productivity and social and environmental sustainability in the mining industry.
He pointed out that the theme of the conference speaks directly to the urgent need to bridge the gender gap in the solid mineral sector, as women have long faced systemic challenges that ranged from non-access to funding to policy restrictions and social barriers, which had limited their full participation in mining.
The Minister, who was represented by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Dr. Mary Ogbe, said women have the potential to drive national and global economic growth.
“We will take a bold step to reshape the narrative and ensure that women are not just part of the mining sector but are also leaders and key decision-makers in this transformation”, the Minister said.
He commended the organisers of the conference, “for providing a crucial platform that showcases these achievements, address the challenges women face and foster partnership that will further support and amplify women participation in mining”.
The wife of the president , Senator Oluremi Tinubu, urged women to take advantage of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by working together, supporting one another, and inspire more women to take advantage of the mining industry in order to better their lives.
The mining sector, she noted, provides a platform for women to prosper in a traditionally male-dominated sector.
The First Lady, who was represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, also encouraged women to key into the implementation roadmap and the opportunities that lie ahead.
She said, “It takes courage, patience, and boldness to persevere in a male-dominated field.
“Women belong to every industry, and buying and mining is not exception. Continue to dig deep, break barriers, and let your strengths shape the future,” she added.
The First Lady also described the conference as an initiative aimed at processing diversity, empowering women, enhancing productivity, and promoting innovation and overall sustainability of the sector.
“This serves as a significant step towards improving gender equity in the mining sector”, she said
Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, however described the inequalities in the mining sector as worrisome.
She noted that the 6.8% of women that make up the mining workforce are mostly engaged in artisanal and small-scale mining, noting that the sector cannot achieve its full potential if women remain under-represented.
“Women in this sector are already demonstrating resilience, and this needs to be backed by deliberate policies,” she stated.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals, Jonatha Gazza Gbefwi, said it was in line with best global practices to include women in mining techniques and promote artisanal mining.
According to Miss Nesir Mola, the Deputy Representative of Women United Nations in Nigeria, “studies have shown that companies with a diverse workforce report higher innovation, as women bring unique perspectives to problem-solving and operational efficiency.”
Gender-responsive mining, she said, is a way to attract more investors to the sector.
The organiser of the conference, Ngozichi Okorie, said women need to be more coordinated in order not to be isolated or segmented.
