Irresponsible Management of Natural Resources Is the Bane of African Development and Youth Empowerment-Minister
Absence of responsible management of natural resources has been said to be one of the reasons Africa remains underdeveloped and her youths in total despair. This was stated by Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Nigerian Minister of State for Environment, at the ministerial roundtable on the development of Africa’s natural resources which was held at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.
Africa is endowed with an abundance of natural resources, ranging from minerals and forests to water bodies and fertile lands. These resources hold the potential to transform our economies, uplift our communities, and set us on a path towards sustainable development. However, realizing this potential requires a concerted effort, innovative strategies, and unwavering commitment from all sectors of society, Salako said. The Minister noted that stakeholders as well as stewards of our continent’s rich natural heritage have not been united by a common vision to harness these resources for the sustainable development and prosperity of Africa.
He enjoined stakeholders to focus on how they can responsibly manage and utilize these resources to the benefit all as well as forge meaningful partnerships, share knowledge, and chart a course that will lead to the sustainable and inclusive development of Africa’s natural resources.
“We must ensure that the wealth generated from our natural resources is invested in our people, empowering marginalized communities and creating opportunities for the youth. Let us commit to practices that promote environmental sustainability, ensuring that our natural wealth serves as a blessing for present and future generations.
“Collaboration is key. Governments, private sector, civil society, and international partners must work hand in hand to develop policies and frameworks that foster sustainable resource management, transparent governance, and equitable distribution of benefits. By aligning our efforts, we can break the cycle of debt and aid dependency, fuel economic growth, and achieve energy transitions that usher in a greener, more resilient Africa. For us to be effective, it must be an all of government and all of society approach”, the Minister added.
Salako proposed a 7 point pathway for productive management of the natural resources:
a. Develop detailed action plans with specific milestones and timelines to track progress.
b. Establish robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to ensure commitments are met. This includes regular reporting and independent audits.
c. Involve all stakeholders, including governments, private sector, civil society, and local communities, in the decision-making process to ensure buy-in and shared responsibility.
d. Ensure adequate financial, human, and technical resources are allocated to implement action plans effectively.
e. Initiate pilot projects to test and refine strategies before scaling up. Successful pilot projects can serve as models for broader implementation.
f. Leverage international partnerships for technical assistance, knowledge sharing, and financial support.
g. Raise awareness about the benefits of moving from talk to action to garner public support and drive momentum.
He said our biodiversity, our minerals and other natural resources in Africa are worth quintillion of dollars. He said African continent is not poor adding that we only need to be ingenious, collaboratively work together and promote our comparative advantages.
