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The
Federal Government of Nigeria has been called upon
to establish a Solid Minerals Producing Areas
Development Commission (SOMPADEC) like the Niger
Delta Development Commission (NNDC) to address the
developmental needs of solid minerals bearing states.
The Governor of Plateau State, Da Jonah David Jang
made the plea when the Minister of Mines and Steel
Development, Arc. Musa Mohammed Sada paid a working
visit to the Governor during his familiarisation
tour to formations of the Ministry in the State.
In his remarks at the occasion, Arc. Sada said
that he was in the State to see the working
environment of the agencies, the staff and exchange
ideas on the development of the Mines and Steel
sector.
The Minister noted that pioneering mining activities
started in Jos, Plateau State in the country, adding
that through collaboration with the state and other
stakeholders the sector would be developed for the
benefit of all Nigerians and investors.
Arc. Sada said that due to on-going reforms, the
sector is driven by the Private sector while the
Ministry administers and regulates operations in the
sector.
The Minister disclosed that the Federal Government
was trying to attract the right calibre of
professionals and technicians to drive the sector by
strengthening its agencies such as the National
Metallurgical Development Centre, Jos, the Nigerian
Institute of Mining and Geosciences, Jos and the
Metallurgical Training Institute, Onitsha.
Arc. Sada said that Artisanal and Small Scale
Miners across the country were being assisted to
form cooperatives and access a World Bank grant,
acquire knowledge and skills to facilitate their
operations.
The Governor of Plateau State, Da Jonah David Jang
also called on the Federal Government to withdraw
mining licenses issued to speculators who were not
doing anything with them.
Governor Jang also reiterated the need for the
Federal Government to release the #200 billion
Mineral and Agriculture Development Fund to assist
peasant farmers and miners across the country.
The Governor also called on the Federal Government
to reclaim dangerous mine ponds across the State and
leave the non-dangerous ones for agriculture and
commercial purposes.
He also requested that more Plateau State indigenes
be given grants from the World Bank grant for
their mining operations.
The Governor also requested that more indigenes of
Plateau State be given employment opportunities in
the Ministry’s agencies in the State.
Governor Jang congratulated Arc. Sada on his
appointment and assured him of the State
government’s support and cooperation in developing
Nigeria’s Mines and Steel sector.
In his remarks at the occasion, the Plateau State
Commissioner for Special Duties and Minerals
Development, Hon. Ibrahim Sale disclosed that the
State has 57 viable solid mineral resources and
that it is concentrating on the development of 7 of
them.
Hon. Sale said that in the State’s attempt to
develop the Mining industry, it has established a
Gemstone cutting centre and an International Mineral
Museum.
The agencies visited by the Minister include: the
National Metallurgical Development Centre, Nigerian
Institute of Mining and the Nigerian Mining
Corporation.
On the Minister’s entourage were the Permanent
Secretary, Engr. Musa Sheik Goni, directors and
senior officers of the Ministry.
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