Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule says the state is set to establish a world-class solid mineral laboratory that would go a long way in creating millions of jobs and improving the state’s revenue base.
He stated this during the stakeholders interactive meeting in the mining sector held in Lafia, the state capital.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government Mr. Aliyu Ubandoma, he said the meeting is a noble engagement that brings stakeholders in the mining sector for a common understanding, common interest, and common goal of moving the state to the next level.
“In the shortest possible time, our solid minerals value-chain development will stand out once the laboratory is in place and operational”,
“Apart from providing quality solid minerals-related services for clients in the sector, institutions of higher learning in the State will also utilize it to promote research and knowledge development,” he noted.
Sule urged stakeholders in the mining site to bring their wealth of experiences towards improving the revenue generation of the state.
Governor Sule assured of his administration’s readiness to ensure the absolute security that would protect the lives and property as well as create a conducive environment for businesses to strive.
He further promised to harness the abounding mineral resources to improve the wealth and socio-economic growth of the state.
Also speaking, Commissioner of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Kwanta Yakubu, said the meeting is aimed at brainstorming on the mining sector and the new modalities of revenue collection in the State.
Kwanta, charged the miners to remit their revenue for growth and development, saying a strong and effective mechanism has been put in place for revenue collection in the mining sector of the state.
Emir of Lafia and Chairman Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs, Mohammed Sidi Bage called on the state and federal government to support artisanal miners to enhance effectiveness.
The state Chairman of the mining association, Mr. Yusuf Dalhat, said that the miners are ready to co-operate with the state government but urged the state government to have an accurate number of existing mining companies on site and make sure they are all registered to have more revenue for the state.
