President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated the commitment of his government to diversify Nigeria’s economy away from oil and gas through the mining and agriculture sectors, adding that they are viable options that must be focused on so as to have a secured economic environment.
Buhari, who was represented by Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development Dr Uchechukwu Ogah, said the theme of the event, “Responsible Exploration and Exploitation of Mineral Resources in a Secured Environment” is very apt and timely considering the Administration’s vision and policy focus for the development and growth of the minerals sector.
Engr Nkom disclosed that members of NMGS are currently involved in the National Integration Mining Project , being supervised by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency , the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Development Initiative among other programmes. He further revealed that the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development is establishing Artisanal Mining Clusters in Bauchi, Kogi, Ebonyi and Cross River States to provide opportunity for the off-take of the mined minerals in a structured manner.