(PAGMI) was launched in 2019, to promote the formalisation and integration of artisanal gold mining activities into the economic, legal and institutional framework of Nigeria. The initiative is aimed at addressing rural poverty, difficulties in meeting legal and regulatory requirements, lack of alternative livelihoods and other structural and institutional factors which tend to push artisanal gold mining operators into the informal economy.
Last week, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari met with the Steering Committee and Management Team of PAGMI at the State House in Abuja. During the meeting, the President directed the attendees to provide him with a six-month progress report on the Solid Minerals Development Fund. The report, which will capture accruals from investments, is a part of the Nigerian leader’s efforts to foster best practice in the mining sector.
The President also requested the team to ensure these investments go beyond artisanal and small-scale levels, in order to expand operations in Nigeria’s mining sector. “The PAGMI Management Team should now develop innovative ways to move PAGMI to the next level to ensure the Nigerian mining story goes beyond artisanal and small-scale mining,” presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, quoted the President saying. “I support the Steering Committee’s target of aggregating 3-5 tons of gold over the next 12 months, as this will deliver tremendous fiscal and economic benefits to the nation.”
Shehu added that the team was informed that the Solid Minerals Development Fund should work with all relevant Government agencies in order to identify the funding and support needed to deliver on the this aggregation target. “Now that you have successfully delivered a pilot scheme in Kebbi State, it is time to roll out and expand sustainably across other states. The government is committed to providing all the necessary support required,” President Buhari told the attendees.
