(http://fmi.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/IMG_00821-300x224.jpg) The Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku has expressed the determination of the Federal Government to strengthen the solid mineral sector as it constitutes a huge source of income to the nation.
The Minister made the statement at the accountability session of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development at the on-going Ministerial Platform in Abuja.
Mr Maku identified the solid mineral and agricultural sector as one of Nigeria's greatest sources of revenue before the discovery of oil and upheld that with the high increase in population, the oil sector alone cannot sustain the economy.
The Minister who articulated the need to harness the huge solid mineral deposits in Nassarawa State for additional resources to expand and develop the economy, applauded the Minister for giving the sector greater momentum and prominence both locally and internationally, which has attracted foreign investors to the mining sector.
He expressed delight at the keen interest and participation of Nigerians at the Platform and assured of Federal Government's resolve to make accountability its catchphrase to enable government officials report on the mandate given them by the people.
Earlier, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Musa Mohammed Sada informed of the completed airborne magnetic survey of the entire country and airborne radiometric mapping of four Global Reference Network Cells bringing the total of the areas mapped to eight and discovery of high grade iron ore resources in the country.
Arc. Sada also held that the Ministry facilitated the drilling of 23 core holes aimed at generating reliable geosciences data on iron ore, gold and coal and over 500 core holes by the private sector in the country in the course of their exploration activities.
Via: Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria
Strenghtning it would definately make a lot of sense. The federal government are really determined to improve Nigeria.