The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has said the Ministry is willing to provide logistics and technical assistance to state governments, in a bid to boost investment in the mining sector.
He disclosed this while receiving the Ebonyi state Governor, David Umahi, in his office, saying that the diversification plan of the government would be better realised with states’ involvement in mining ventures.
“We want successful projects at the state levels. It will help us to showcase our seriousness in becoming a mining nation. Governor Umahi’s commitment to tapping the mineral deposits in his state is commended.”
Fayemi, who received Governor Umahi, in the company of his Minister of State, Abubakar Bawa Bwari, said the Ministry’s budget for 2017, captured exploration, reclamation of mining sites and organisation of artisanal miners, among other things that would reposition the sector.
The minister commended governor Umahi for making Ebonyi state a mining destination, saying that 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 reclamation of mining sites for the welfare of the host communities.
Earlier, Governor Umahi noted that beyond agriculture, Nigeria can generate more revenue from mining, adding that many countries are looking towards the country because of the mineral resources.
He said the state is willing to partner with the Nited Nation’s Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the Federal Government to mine its huge deposits of salt and Limestone.