FG to provide technical assistance on mining to states

Reports show that the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, said his ministry is set to provide logistics and technical assistance to state governments, in a bid to invest in the mining sector.

National Mirror reports that the Special Assistant (Media) to the minister, Yinka Olabode, made this known in a statement made available to newsmen, Tuesday, in Abuja.

According to the statement, the minister gave the hint when he received Ebonyi State governor, David Umahi, in his office, stressing that the diversification plan of the government would be better realised with states involvement in mining ventures, National Mirror reports.

“We want successful projects at state level. It will help us to showcase our seriousness in becoming a mining nation,” said Fayemi, who commended Governor Umahi’s commitment to tapping the mineral deposits in his state.

Dr. Fayemi who together with the Minister of State, Abubakar Bawa Bwari, received Governor Umahi, said the ministry’s budget for 2017 has captured exploration, reclamation of mining sites and organisation of artisan miners, among other things that would reposition the sector.

The minister lauded Governor Umahi for making Ebonyi State a mining destination, saying the state is a model for others to emulate. He assured the governor that the ministry has put together an environmental team to work on reclamations of mining sites for  the welfare of the host communities.

In addition, National Mirror reports that Governor Umahi had earlier stated that beyond agriculture, Nigeria would generate more revenue from mining, adding that more countries are looking towards Nigeria because of mineral resources.

Governor Umahi said the state is willing to partner with UNIDO and the Federal Government to mine its huge deposit of salt and limestone.

Source: National Mirror