The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade has said that the Federal government has intended to have a platform to showcase Nigeria craft in Gold making industry and making Kano a destination for International gold trade.
Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade made the called yesterday at the opening of enlightenment forum organized for stakeholders in the metals sector in Kano.
Dr. Akinlade revealed the untapped mineral resources deposits and it’s economic potential to the nation, adding that if properly hearness, Nigeria has what it takes to generate enough revenue from non-oil industry.
According to the Permsec the federal government plans to revamp the solid mineral industry to creat job opportunities, wealth creation and Security of Community. She said the Meeting with the stakeholders was designed to build knowledge base and address challenges facing the operators in gold value chain.
As preparatory to economic diversification, Dr. Akinlade disclosed readiness of the Federal government to unveil International Gold Souk in Kano.
She asserted that the gold market designed for general transaction of jewelry would further showcase the nation’s craft in gold making.
” The meeting with the stakeholders is a prelude to the commissioning of international gold market that would be established in Kano.
The intent of the meeting is to seek collaboration of stakeholders in the value chain, including the miners, processors, jewelry makers, gold Marketers, customs and security services.
” We intend to have a platform to showcase Nigeria craft in Gold making industry and making Kano a destination for international gold trade. Federal government is providing a mix between government agencies and those in the value chain to revamp the industry.
” We equally want to listen to stakeholders challenges with a view to provide solution thereby making the general affairs a win win relationship. We want to creat adequate knowledge of the operation and build concerted solidarity with the stakeholders”. Dr. Akinlade noted.
On his part, the Chairman, Nigeria Miners Association, Kano, Alhaji Yahaya Kolo urged mutual resolution with the federal government to eliminate the acronym of illegal miners while addressing it’s members. He said miners in Kano are genuine business operators.
