- Nigeria, German Firm Sign Contract for Mining Automation
Nigeria and a German firm, Messrs GAF, on Thursday signed a contract that would enable the country to migrate its mining cadastre operations and services online.
The Director General, Mining Cadastre Office, Mr Mohammed Amate, signed the contract sponsored by the World Bank on behalf of Nigeria, while Dr Tobias Wever signed on behalf of the German firm.
By the contract, the German firm will construct a portal for the MCO and provide both hardware and software required to enable the office to automate its operations and services so that they could be accessible to any investor anywhere in the world.
Amate said, “The upgrade essentially will entail the establishment of a web-based cadastre management and information system, including e-records. It will also integrate the networking of the six zonal offices and improve information sharing with other relevant government bodies.
“The new system will further provide better services for customers and further promote investments in Nigeria’s minerals sector.
“The system upgrade will allow the enforcement of applicable laws and regulations, secure storage of cadastral data and information, provide efficient and reliable services to investors and other stakeholders such as online applications, reduction in application/investors as well as real-time availability of cadastral update.”
Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Mr Bawa Bwari, expressed appreciation to the World Bank for demonstrating support and commitment to the diversification agenda of the Federal Government.
He said the cadastral office was being taken to the zones in order to get nearer to the people.
Bwari added that the government had also demonstrated commitment to the mining sector through increased funding.
