Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has embarked on a strategic visit to St. Petersburg Mining University in Russia in a bid to establish a multibillion naira mining sector investment in the state.
LEADERSHIP reports that the state has been a thriving place for illegal miners, including foreign mercenaries and youths who engaged in drugs.
The governor has been emphatic about his desire to explore the solid mineral sector of the state’s economy and formalise the processes instead of illegal mining.
Consequently, the commissioner for Investment Aminu Suleiman Takuma said the governor’s visit to Russia was aimed at exploring collaboration opportunities that would boost the state’s natural resources development and improve technical capacity in the mining industry.
“During his visit, Governor Bago held high-level discussions with university officials on potential partnerships, in the areas of education, research, and technical support, that align with the state’s long-term vision of leveraging education and international partnerships to promote sustainable development and economic resilience”, he said.
The commissioner said the governor has emphasized the importance of equipping the state’s workforce with modern skills in mining-related disciplines and solicited the university’s support in training students and professionals and joint research and development initiatives to enhance mineral exploration and improve mining techniques in the state.
He said Governor Bago has revealed plans to send an Executive Bill titled “Responsible Mining” to the Niger State House of Assembly intended to regulate mining operations within the state, ensure sustainable practices, and improve oversight.
The commissioner said the partnership would further provide technical assistance focused on improving operational efficiency, ensuring environmental sustainability, and strengthening safety management in mining activities.
Takuma said the government was optimistic that the collaborative effort would significantly contribute to job creation, boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and improve the overall economic outlook of Niger State.
He said St. Petersburg Mining University was known globally for its excellence in mining and natural resources education, and therefore presented a promising partnership in the mining sector.
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