Buhari Unveils Electronic Mining Cadastre (EMC+) System, Promises Transparency
In advancement of the federal government’s ease of doing business policy, President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday unveiled the electronic Mining Cadastre, better known as EMC+ the first of its kinds in the country.
This comes as the federal government assured that it will continue to deploy technology in enhancing transparency in the administration of mineral titles in the country.
The innovation among other things is expected to boost investors’ confidence in the system, remove bottlenecks associated with the ownership of mineral titles as the EMC+ allows applicants globally to send applications without physical contact with Mining Cadastre Office in Nigeria.
Launching the programme on Tuesday shortly after declaring open the 6th edition of Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja, President Muhammadu Buhari who was represented by VP Yemi Osinbajo stressed that the development of the digital application is a manifestation of the government’s efforts to intentionally prioritize the development of the country’s mineral resources as one of the frontiers for economic growth.
He also expressed satisfaction with the milestone achieved in the sector since the beginning of the current administration in 2015.
He said, “And we are proud that the indices of development in the sector are rapidly changing. Part of these is the increased revenue generation and of course the unprecedented investment interest that the industry has attracted in the past few years. Nigeria, for the first time, has a world-class gold mine in Segilola, Osun state, operated by Thor Exploration.
“Also, Eta Zuma Mining and Industries limited, Mosra Enerji are mining and supplying the coal needs of Dangote and Bua Cement factories.
“In the steel industry, African Natural Resources and Mines limited, owners of the Kagarko Integrated Steel plant, is about to produce liquid Steel from its Iron ore mine in Kaduna State. Several other investors are at different stages of mine development in various parts of the country, and these strategic milestones will hopefully catalyse more mining investment in the country.
“I firmly believe that the sector, when fully developed, will outstrip other sectors of the economy in export earnings, and the creation of good paying jobs and opportunities . Besides it will stimulate industrial growth as a local source of raw materials and improve the quality of lives in rural communities. Again we must commend the efforts of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and other stakeholders in providing a conducive environment for investment.”
President Buhari further assured that the federal government will continue to intensify its regulatory and supervisory role in ensuring that mining is held to the highest standards of sustainable development and intergenerational equity.
Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite said with the upgrade and automation of the Mining Cadastre Office as well as the creation of zonal offices in the six geopolitical zones of the country, Nigeria now has cadastra system that is efficient, non-discretionary, transparent and accessible to investors worldwide.
While thanking President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly for their support, he said the Ministry has recorded some significant achievements that has redefined a growth trajectory for the Nigeria mining sector.
He listed some of his achievements in the industry to include, generation of geological and exploration data to improve investment competitiveness, application of digital processes in the governance of the sector, advancing the formalization of information mining operations in Nigeria, improving the environmental impact, construction of mining-related clusters in the six geographical zones in Nigeria, establishment of a jewelry making centre where 40 train the trainers recruited from the 36 states of the federation and FCT have been trained among others achievements.
The DG, Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office, Engr Simon O. Nkom said the automation of mineral title application will eliminate the burden as well as expenses of travelling to Nigeria to submit application among foreign investors.
He said, “And if you ask me, what are the benefits, the benefits are majorly we are talking about ease of doing business. We are talking about somebody that does not really need to spend two days or three days to come to Nigeria, all you need to do is use his phone or whatever, it reduces the travel time.
“At the end of the day, you find out that it becomes more effective, it becomes more efficient, becomes more easily usable. At the same time you find out that when you have to spend 1 million naira, 2 million naira, whatever in transport, you just use your phone and then on laptops or wherever and then do it” he said.
