By Martha Agas

The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has stated that the re-appointment of the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), Hajia Fatimah Shinkafi, followed the requisite due process.

The Assistant Director of Information & Public Relations, Mrs Chinwe Ekwugha, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Mrs Ekwugha stated that the re-appointment of the Executive Secretary by President Bola Tinubu was in accordance with the provisions governing the establishment of the agency contrary speculations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Presidential Aide, Bayo Onanuga, announced on Friday that President Bola Tinubu approved the renewal of Shinkafi’s appointment.

She explained that no part of the SMDF Act specifies a term limit for the Chief Executive Officers of the agency.

“The approval, done weeks ago, followed due process and aligns with the extant laws governing the agency, as well as the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act (NMMA) 2007.

“Section 35(2) of the NMMA 2007 stipulates that the executive secretary shall be appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development.

“ No provisions on tenure limit exist in the act governing the agency. The act does not stipulate term limit for the chief executive. Therefore, her re-appointment by the president is in order and does not contravene any law.

“SMDF under her stewardship has been reorganised for capital mobilisation, leading de-risking of investment tools for the mining sector and enabling targeted exploration to fast track mine development amongst others.

“Hence, her pivotal role in our efforts to reposition the mining sector is invaluable, ”She said.

According to the official, the ministry assures mining stakeholders of its continuous support to the SMDF to expand access to lines of credit and lead efforts to strengthen partnerships that will unlock financing to drive economic growth.

She said that the move was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at making solid minerals a significant contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.
(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Gabriel Yough