Babatunji Wusu –
- Reappointment Praise: The Zamfara Professionals League (ZPL) has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for reappointing Hajiya Fatimah Shinkafi as the executive secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF).
- Support for Continuity: The ZPL emphasized that Shinkafi’s reappointment is crucial for maintaining the solid foundation of the young financial institution.
- Notable Achievements: Under Shinkafi’s leadership, SMDF has collaborated with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) to fund early-stage mineral development projects and supported the growth of the gold aggregator scheme, which has contributed billions of naira in gold reserves to the Central Bank of Nigeria.
- Legality of Reappointment: The League clarified that the Nigerian Mining and Minerals Act does not limit the tenure of the executive secretary, refuting claims of tenure limitation.
The Zamfara Professionals League (ZPL) has expressed its appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for reappointing Hajiya Fatimah Shinkafi as the executive secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF). The ZPL believes that retaining the current leadership is essential for continuing the establishment of the SMDF on a firm foundation, particularly as it works to address national challenges in the financial and mining sectors.
The League pointed to Shinkafi’s leadership as a testament to the capabilities of professionals from Northern Nigeria, noting her success in transforming the SMDF into a solid interventionist body. Her efforts have notably included collaborating with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) to secure funding for early-stage mineral development projects, such as exploration. The initiative, which attracted numerous applicants, further demonstrates the growing importance of the SMDF under Shinkafi’s guidance.
Additionally, the ZPL highlighted the SMDF’s interventions in bridging gaps left by junior miners, especially with the introduction of the gold aggregator scheme, which has generated billions of naira worth of gold reserves for the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Addressing concerns regarding the legal basis for Shinkafi’s reappointment, the ZPL clarified that the Nigerian Mining and Minerals Act does not impose any limitations on the tenure of the executive secretary. They argued that the President’s decision aligns with the law and ensures the continuity of the SMDF’s pioneering work. The ZPL believes that replacing Shinkafi at this stage would disrupt the growth and focus of the institution, given her extensive knowledge and the agency’s current trajectory.
