Malik Yahya/
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development will work with governors to harness mineral resources for maximum socio-economic development of the country, says the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake.
Alake gave the assurance when the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State paid him a courtesy visit in his office at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja yesterday.
He added that the Ministry was determined and committed to harnessing the nation’s mineral resources, emphasizing that Nasarawa State and other endowed states across the country would soon witness rapid development that would enhance the living standards of the citizenry under the renewed hope agenda of this administration.
He said, ”Nasarawa State is very significant in terms of the development of mineral sector …and we are putting the mechanisms together. We are crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s to make sure that the nation derive maximum benefits from this God-given gift of minerals that are in abundance in Nigeria.
”We are going to harness and utilize efficiently effectively and proficiently to ensure that Nigeria really expends the resources also judiciously from solid minerals. That is the next petroleum of Nigeria.”
While acknowledging the importance and significance of Nasarawa State as sitting on the next petroleum of Nigeria; Alake affirmed that it is imperative to cooperate, synergize and coordinate all the dynamics surrounding minerals exploration exploitation and judicious spending of the resources.
To this end, the Minister expressed gratitude to the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State for the visit, stressing that it epitomizes the synergy expected between the Federal and State Governments to develop the critical solid mineral sector.
Nasarawa State governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule expressed pleasure that Mr Dele Alake is the Minister of a Ministry that means more than anything to Nasarawa State.
Engr. Sule further enthused that he regarded Mr Alake’s appointment as a win win situation for the entire nation.
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