Federal government has reiterated its readiness to further strengthen the existing collaboration with stakeholders in the mining sector to effectively promote the minerals and metals sector of the nation’s economy.
Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Architect Musa Mohammed Sada made the declaration during his meeting with a delegation from the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, KADCCIMA, led by its president, Dr. Abdul-Alimi Bello in Abuja.
Sada said that the ministry was working assiduously to expand the rays of its stakeholders as well as strengthen the existing relationship.
He said this development led to the establishment of the Minerals and Metals Promotion Unit in the ministry with the sole responsibility of promoting the nation’s minerals endowment both at every local and international mining fora.
Sada noted that the only way information relating to mining could be sent out to people is by associating with organisations like KADCCIMA, he added that business thrives by partnering with relevant stakeholders.
He added that the bulk of minerals occurrences which are largely in the northern part of the country informed the ministry’s full participation at the 35th Kaduna International Trade Fair organised by KADCCIMA earlier this year.
He said a standing committee had already been put in place to look into ways the ministry and its agencies would improve on its participation in the subsequent International Trade Fair organised by the association.
The minister decried the situation whereby the nation’s minerals and metals sector is being operated basically by Chinese and Indians; and therefore stressed the need for more collaboration between the ministry and its stakeholders in order to expose activities of the sector to Nigerians.
He added that the federal government wanted Nigerians to be major operators in the nation’s mining operations.
He urged the delegation to develop a very strong working relationship with the ministry’s Mineral and Metals Promotion Unit which one of its responsibilities is to aid and guide investors on area of mining in the country.
The minister assured the delegation of the ministry’s readiness to work with the association in order to give more Nigerians the opportunity to participate in the mining activities of the sector.
Earlier, the KADCCIMA president had said the purpose of their visit was to express their appreciation to the minister and the ministry for their participation at the 35th Kaduna International Trade Fair and also to brief the minister on its activities.
Bello said KADCCIMA in its 40 years of existence had been making significant contributions towards promoting the socio-economic growth of the Northern part of the country and the nation at large.
He therefore requested for partnership from the ministry for the upcoming Solid Minerals Exhibition to be organised by the association in Kaduna, saying it would go a long way in creating more awareness on activities of the nation’s minerals and metals sector as well as compliment efforts of the ministry.
By Olugbenga Salami
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