FG to partner states on solid minerals development

Minister of Solid Minerals and Mining, Kayode Fayemi, says the Federal Government will collaborate with states to strengthen mining activities in the country.

Fayemi, who spoke on Monday in Minna during a courtesy visit to Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State, said this would form a holistic platform for diversifying the nation’s revenue sources.

He listed steps to be taken in order to achieve the objectives to include identifying, streamlining and legalising activities of the large numbers of artisanal miners.

“Mining and agriculture are alternative sources of revenue generation to the country. Today, our visit to the state is to see what is going on with the mining communities and activities of these illegal miners.

“The Federal Government wants to get the state government to organise this miners, get to know their activities and see how we can issue legal license to them. Those who claimed to have license will be ask to redeemed themselves or have their license revoked,” he said.

Responding, Bello commended the Federal Government’s effort of diversifying sources of revenue, saying his administration would complement all efforts to revitalise the country’s economy.

“At state level, we will be actively involved in solid mineral by organising miners with license under one umbrella. We will also key into Federal Government’s effort on how to get maximum value out of this with all seriousness,” he said.