Shinkafi’s re-appointment as SMDF ES is in line with the law, says ministry

By Abubakar Yunusa

The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD) says the law has been followed in the re-appointment of Fatima Shinkafi as the executive secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF).
Some critics had argued that her tenure had expired but the ministry has moved to clarify the position of the law.
In a statement issued on Monday, Kwugha Chinwe, the assistant director of information and public relations at the ministry, said: “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.”
There was some drama on Friday when Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani was announced as the executive secretary of SMDF/PAGMI.
However, in a subsequent statement, Bayo Onanuga, a presidential spokesman, said President Bola Tinubu had cancelled the appointment because “there is no vacancy in the agency”.