By Lubem Gena
Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia of Benue in the early hours of Thursday, 19th December, 2024 announced Dr. Erdoo Mongol’s appointment as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Benue Geo-Mining Company of Nigeria.
“She is a seasoned geoscientist with over 14 years of experience in mining, mineral exploration, regulation, and climate sciences. She is committed to adding value to critical mineral extraction through sustainable and innovative approaches that support a green environment. Erdoo is hardworking, analytical, and passionate about efficient resource management, environmental sustainability, youth empowerment, and education for underserved communities”, Mr. Tersoo Kula, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, who made the appointment public, described her.
Benue State, often referred to as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, including vast deposits of solid minerals. However, like many resource-rich regions in Nigeria, these resources have remained largely underutilized due to a lack of strategic planning, inadequate infrastructure, and poor governance. Against this backdrop, the appointment of Dr. Erdoo Mongol as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Benue Geo-Mining Company of Nigeria marks a pivotal moment in the state’s journey toward harnessing its mineral wealth for sustainable development.
Dr. Erdoo, a renowned geologist and mining expert with decades of experience in the mining sector, assumes leadership at a time when the global economy is shifting toward resource-based industrialization and sustainable development. Her wealth of knowledge, coupled with a track record of effective management, positions her as a key figure in redefining the trajectory of Benue State’s mining sector. However, her appointment also comes with immense challenges and responsibilities that demand innovative thinking, strategic planning, and collaborative leadership.
Harnessing Benue’s Mineral Wealth
The Benue Geo-Mining Company of Nigeria was established to oversee and drive the exploration, development, and commercialization of the state’s mineral resources. The company’s mandate includes identifying viable mineral deposits, attracting investments, and ensuring environmentally sustainable mining practices. Dr. Erdoo’s primary task is to translate this mandate into actionable results.
Benue State boasts a variety of mineral resources, including limestone, marble, gypsum, barite, coal, and salt. These resources hold the potential to transform the state’s economy by creating jobs, boosting internally generated revenue, and supporting industrialization. However, the sector remains underdeveloped due to insufficient data on mineral reserves, a lack of investment, and weak regulatory frameworks.
Dr. Erdoo’s expertise in mineral exploration and project management will be crucial in addressing these challenges. Under her leadership priority should be given to the development of a comprehensive geological survey to provide accurate data on Benue’s mineral resources. Such data will be instrumental in attracting local and foreign investors and guiding decision-making processes.
Promoting Sustainable Mining Practices
One of the key challenges in the mining sector is balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. Mining activities, if not properly managed, can lead to deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and health hazards for local communities. Dr. Erdoo must ensure that the Benue Geo-Mining Company and all its licensed operators adopts global best practices in environmental sustainability.
This entails enforcing strict Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for all mining projects, promoting the use of eco-friendly technologies, and implementing effective land reclamation programs. By doing so, the company can mitigate the adverse effects of mining activities and ensure that the state’s natural environment is preserved for future generations.
Building Strategic Partnerships
The success of Benue Geo-Mining Company will depend significantly on its ability to build strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including the federal government, private sector players, local communities, and international organizations. Dr. Erdoo will need to pioneer efforts to forge these partnerships, focusing on attracting investments, accessing technical expertise, and fostering community support for mining activities.
Collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development will be crucial in aligning the company’s activities with national mining policies and securing necessary licenses and permits. Similarly, partnerships with private investors can provide the capital and technical know-how needed to develop large-scale mining projects and also streamline the activities of artisanal miners.
Local communities, as custodians of the land where mining activities take place, must also be actively involved in decision-making processes. The ill-informed, poor, marginalised and mostly undermined locals deserve a new lease of life. Dr. Erdoo must prioritize community engagement and ensure that mining activities provide tangible benefits, such as employment opportunities, improved infrastructure, and social amenities.
Enhancing Revenue Generation
A critical measure of Dr. Erdoo’s success will be the company’s ability to boost Benue State’s internally generated revenue (IGR). Currently, the state’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, with limited contributions from other sectors. By developing the mining sector, she has the opportunity to diversify the state’s revenue base and reduce its over-dependence on federal allocations.
To achieve this, she needs to work toward establishing a transparent and efficient revenue collection system that will be ICT driven. This includes combating illegal mining activities, ensuring proper documentation of mineral production, and implementing fair and competitive pricing mechanisms for mineral resources.
Additionally, our dear sister is likely to explore opportunities for value addition by promoting the establishment of mineral processing industries in the state. Processing raw minerals locally will not only increase revenue but also create additional jobs and stimulate economic growth consequent upon which many people will be lifted out of poverty.
Addressing Infrastructure Deficits
Infrastructure remains a significant bottleneck in the development of Benue’s mining sector. Poor road networks, unreliable power supply, and inadequate water resources pose challenges to mining operations and deter potential investors.
My secondary school mate, it is hoped will advocate for infrastructure development as part of the state’s broader economic agenda. Collaborating with relevant government agencies and private sector players, she can push for a thorough commitment to the Corporate Social Responsibility of operating companies in areas like construction of roads, mini power plants, and other critical infrastructure in mining communities. Such investments will not only facilitate mining activities but also improve the quality of life for residents.
Capacity Building and Workforce Development
A skilled workforce is essential for the growth and sustainability of the mining sector. Dr. Erdoo must prioritize capacity building and workforce development by investing in training programs, workshops, and scholarships for young people interested in pursuing careers in geology, mining engineering, and related fields.
Partnerships with academic institutions and vocational training centers will be instrumental in developing a pool of skilled workers who can contribute to the sector’s growth. Additionally, promoting gender inclusion and encouraging the participation of women in mining will ensure a diverse and equitable workforce.
Fostering Innovation and Technology Adoption
The mining industry is becoming increasingly technology-driven, with advancements in mineral exploration, extraction, and processing. Dr. Erdoo will need to deploy her wealth of experience, contacts and versatility to champion the adoption of modern technologies to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety in mining operations.
This includes investing in cutting-edge equipment, leveraging digital tools for data analysis, and exploring the use of renewable energy sources in mining activities. By fostering innovation, the Benue Geo-Mining Company can position itself as a leader in the Nigerian mining sector.
The appointment of Dr. Erdoo Mongol in the capacity of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Benue Geo-Mining Company of Nigeria comes at a critical time when the state is seeking to unlock its potentials in mineral wealth for sustainable development. Her extensive experience, visionary leadership, firm disposition and commitment to excellence make her a beacon of hope for the mining sector and the state’s economy as a whole.
However, the tasks before her are daunting and will require a holistic and strategic approach. By prioritizing sustainable mining practices, building strategic partnerships, addressing infrastructure deficits, and fostering innovation, Dr. Erdoo can transform Benue’s mining sector into a major driver of economic growth and social development.
The people of Benue State, as well as stakeholders in Nigeria’s mining industry, will undoubtedly watch her tenure with keen interest. Her success will not only redefine the future of the Benue Geo-Mining Company but also set a benchmark for resource-based development across the country.
Lubem Gena live and work as a Legislative Assistant at the National Assembly
