The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD) has clarified that the reappointment of Fatima Shinkafi as Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund followed all necessary procedures.
Last week, President Bola Tinubu reappointed Shinkafi to the position.
The confirmation of her reappointment was made public through a statement by the Assistant Director of Information & Public Relations, Ekwugha Chinwe.
Shinkafi’s reappointment has sparked criticism, with some arguing that she was only meant to serve one term. She has been serving as Executive Secretary of the SMDF since May 24, 2017, and her second term was renewed in 2021 for an additional four years.
In response to the critics, the ministry stated in a Sunday release that her reappointment is in full compliance with the provisions governing the establishment of the agency.
The ministry further emphasized that the SMDF Act does not specify a term limit for the Chief Executive Officers of the agency.
“Our attention has been drawn to misinformation making the rounds in some quarters on the reappointment of Hajia Fatima Shinkafi as the Executive Secretary of SMDF, as approved by the President. 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 reappointment by the president is in order and does not contravene any law. ”
“SMDF under her stewardship has been reorganized for capital mobilization, 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, “the ministry asserted.
The ministry reassured mining stakeholders of its ongoing support for the agency, with plans to expand access to credit lines and foster partnerships that will unlock financing to drive economic growth. This effort aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to position solid minerals as a key contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.