ABUJA (Ministry of Mines and Steel) – The Minister of State, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Hon. Abubakar Bawa Bwari, stated that in a bid to curb the decline of investment in the Mineral sector and generate foreign exchange, substitute for import and develop local industry to create job and wealth, the government is investing N15 billion to upgrade geo-science data bank that will place the country in the world mining map.
He made this statement on recently at the groundbreaking event of mining exploration project held at Kuchiko Camp, Suleja in Niger State, adding that the robust programme being managed by AG Vision Limited is meant to obtain a comprehensive geo-science information data which will take the industry to the next level.
The Minister, who was in the company of an inspection team, noted that the visit was to assess the level of execution on the project which was designed to be executed in phases, and meant to generate detailed report that will serve as an enabler in harnessing the vast mineral resources available in many locations in Nigeria.
He solicited for the cooperation of the community in the exploration project which he said, will positively transform the emirate and fast-track the economic diversification of the present administration.
While speaking at the event, the Chairman, House Committee on Solid Minerals, Hon Aminu Hashimu Mani expressed delight that the federal government invested in the laudable project instead of relying solely on oil as a means of revenue generation.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Abdulkadir Mu’azu said while delivering his speech that he looks forward to seeing the data as an asset for national development, which will make the sector viable. He stressed that the Ministry will extend its investment in the small scale miners sector to empower them as viable entrepreneurs that will add value to the economy.
The Director General, National Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), Dr. Abdul Hamid Garba, said that the essence of the project is to de-risk the sector with a view to facilitating economy growth.
The Emir of Zazzau Suleja, who was represented by Barkin Kasua of Suleja, expressed optimism that the project will attract infrastructural development to the community and urged the government to curb problem of illegal mining, which is adversely affecting the growth of the industry.
The Managing Director of the Company, Mr.Fadi Abou Ghazale, in his remarks stated that the event featured another landmark of the roadmap for the growth and development of Nigerian solid minerals. He acknowledged the Ministry and the National Integrated Mineral Exploration Programme (NIMEP) for their immeasurable contributions in developing the mineral sector.
The AG vision helmsman also solicited for government’s support to ensure wider horizon of exploration, which will have multiplying effect in unlocking Nigeria’s solid mineral potentials and transform it into a mining destination.
