The newly deployed Permanent Secretary of Mines and Steel Development, Mrs. Elizabeth Benedict Emurem has stressed the need to fast track the full potentials of the Nation’s Solid Mineral Resources so that millions of unemployed youths may earn a means of livelihood in the country.
In her words “while Nigeria’s economy is mainly driven from our natural endowment beneath the soil, there are a lot more resources apart from oil that made our economy a mono economy, so with intensified efforts in the Solid Minerals Sector Nigerians can stand out in meeting the employment needs of all her citizenry”.
She stated this shortly after taking over the affairs of the Ministry from her predecessor, Engr. Goni Sheikh who took over from her in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources as Permanent Secretary.
Mrs. Emurem said: “while change remains the constant phenomenon in life, it always comes for good of the service as officers move from one duty post to the other, they invariably get acquainted with how government operates and works in meeting the yearnings and aspirations of her citizenry in every sector of the national economy especially our brothers and sisters who need jobs”.
The Permanent Secretary pointed out that with Professionals in the Public Sector and Civil Service as the engine room of government, Civil Servants always play a desired role of implementing government programmes, projects and policies within and outside the shores of Nigeria, as such Civil Servants should endeavour to put in their best in meeting their targets at all times.
Mrs. Emurem implored all workers in the Ministry to always respect and observe the Public Service Rules in conducting their affairs by also ensuring that they report and close from work at the usual stipulated hour and further warned that there would no room for truancy, lateness to work and any other acts against the laid down procedures of the Service would be resisted.
The in- coming Permanent Secretary thanked both Staff and the out-going Permanent Secretary for warmly receiving her and assured to continue with the good job, the ministry is doing so that the country’s dreams of developing the Solid Minerals Steel Sector is realized.
Speaking earlier, the out-going Permanent Secretary, Engr. Goni Sheikh intimated his successor that the ministry being a regulatory agency of government on Mines and Steel development is among other things charged with the responsibility of granting mining titles, supervision and insurance of full scale development of the Nation’s Mineral Resources as well as exploration of Coal for power generation in the country.
He further said the ministry is a Professional ministry with staff strength of 500 manning various departments and units in the headquarters and out stations. Engr. Goni further disclosed that the ministry collaborates with the World Bank through the Sustainable Management of Mineral Resources Project.
The out-going Permanent Secretary thanked all Staff of the ministry for their support and co-operation and urged them to extend same to the new Permanent Secretary so that the over all goals of the ministry would be attained.
The highlight of the ceremony was the signing of the Handing and Taking over Notes between the two Permanent Secretaries.
