| Date: | Tuesday, February 2, 8:00 pm (dinner 7:00 pm) |
| Topic: | The challenges of mining and mineral exploration in Africa: Nigeria’s Experience |
| Speaker: |
Leslye Obiora, UA Law Professor, former Minister of Solid Minerals in Nigeria |
| Where: | Sheraton Four Points, Conference Center |
The challenges of mining and mineral exploration in Nigeria: Nigeria’s Experience
Leslye Obiora
February 2, 2010
While empirical evidence suggests that there is a science to the organic evolution of competing jurisdictions into choice mining destinations, the phenomenon is hardly rocket science. The political economy of the productive discovery, delineation, development and management of mineral resources reflects a confluence of variables that transcend the boundaries of pure science. Revisiting my experience as the Minister of Mines for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I will draw on the government’s effort to revitalize the mining sector to underscore some key challenges that have implications for the strategic goal to make Nigeria’s mineral assets attractive for foreign direct investments and global capital. In material respects, I will suggest that Nigeria’s case is a microcosm for much of the continent where several sovereign authorities have identified natural resource stewardship as an avenue to achieve economic well being and social equity.
Leslye Obiora, Professor, UofA College of Law