By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government is making efforts to sensitise states governments on the need to develop the mineral sector for the benefit of Nigerians.
This is part of continuous efforts to ensure the diversification of the nation’s economy, build a prosperous economy, eradicate corruption and poverty as well as provide security for all.
The Minister of State Mines and Steel Development, Mr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, made this known during a courtesy visit to Rivers State Governor, Mr Nyesome Wike, in Port Harcourt recently.
Mr Ogah stated that the collaboration between the federal and the state government would ensure the orderly and efficient exploitation of huge deposits of silica sand, glass sand and clay in Rivers State for construction purposes and glass production.
He explained that sensitizing mining operators, oil and gas operators as well as mining host communities and other stakeholders would ensure that mining activities are conducted in a safe and environmentally friendly manner, consistent with the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.
He further disclosed that the federal government’s desire to partner with Rivers State government in providing the enabling environment and administrative support required to boost sand mining investments in the state; ensuring adequate sensitisation of the people of the state on the constitutional role of the national government, improving communication and information sharing between the Ministry and state government, a joint strategic war against illegal sand dredging as well as continuous support to Rivers State Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) to enable it to function properly.
The Minister noted that the present level of efficiency of sand dredging activities in Rivers State can be enhanced if the ministry and Rivers State mutually collaborate to support the mining investors in the State by providing the enabling environment for the sand dredging businesses to thrive.
Also, he enjoined the state to take advantage of abundant sea salt yet to be exploited as it is one of the states bordering the Atlantic Ocean, which might also be an interesting area for collaborative development.
He revealed that the Ministry would be organising a further sensitisation workshop in a matter of weeks with all the 774 Local Government Chairmen to further strengthen and deepen the collaborative synergy in developing the solid minerals sector.
In his remarks, Mr Wike supported the need for federal and state governments to collaborate to develop the country, saying it was high time leaders concentrated on good governance to achieve greatness for the nation.
The Governor emphasised that crude oil has reduced the impact of mineral exploration and exploitation, noting that Rivers State was ready and willing to partner with the central government as mineral resources could play a great role in infrastructural development and job creation.
Governor Wike added that reviving Ajaokuta Steel Company could create employment for Nigerian youths and also drive financial autonomy for the nation, adding that “let us do the right thing for the country to move forward.”
Dipo Olowookere