Prominent APC stalwart and former Director General of the Zamfara State Directorate of Investment and Public-Private Partnership, Honourable Idris Garba Rikiji, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reappointing Hajia Fatima Aliyu Shinkafi as the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF).
Speaking to journalists in Gusau, Rikiji expressed unwavering confidence in Hajia Fatima’s capability to deliver in her renewed tenure, citing her impressive track record in public service. He highlighted her past efforts to secure N2 billion for the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (PAGMI) in Zamfara, a move thwarted by political roadblocks.
As Commissioner for Commerce and Managing Director of the Zamfara Investment and Property Development Agency, Hajia Fatima spearheaded impactful initiatives, including a significant N200 million share acquisition in Jaiz Bank, demonstrating her strategic acumen.
Rikiji affirmed that her reappointment aligns with Section 35(2) of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (NMMA) of 2007, underscoring its legality as the Act imposes no term limits for the role. He hailed her leadership at SMDF, crediting her for groundbreaking reforms in capital mobilization, investment de-risking, and targeted exploration that have revitalized Nigeria’s mining landscape.
The APC chieftain also praised her dedication to duty and public service, attributing her exceptional qualities to her esteemed family’s legacy of commitment to national development.
“Hajia Fatima’s reappointment is a testament to President Tinubu’s vision for strengthening the mining sector. Her expertise and leadership will continue to propel Nigeria’s solid minerals industry toward global competitiveness,” Rikiji remarked.
This endorsement reflects Rikiji’s confidence in Hajia Fatima’s ability to champion Nigeria’s mining reforms and contribute to the sector’s sustainable growth.
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