As
crude oil price continues to nose-dive, the federal government has said the
much-needed diversification of the economy from oil can be achieved with
deliberate commitment to utilising the mass deposit of solid minerals in virtually
every state in the country.
Speaking
during his opening remarks at a three-day professional development workshop for
mining engineers in Nigeria taking place in Jos, Plateau State capital, the
Minister of Mines and Steels Development, Musa Mohammed Sada, said
: “The
training was in fulfillment of the Vision 20:2020 and the transformation agenda
of President Goodluck Jonathan to facilitate the establishment of professional
programmes for its practising professionals aimed at ensuring that mineral development
in the country is carried out in line with world best practices.
The
minister who was represented by the Director of Artisanal and Small Scale
Mining, Mr. Patrick Ojeka, added: “The solid mineral can compliment, and even
do better than other revenue sources for the country, if fully and well
harnessed.
“That
is why this training is apt and timely too, because the nation’s revenue is
dwindling and there is need to look at the solid mineral as alternative.
“I
have therefore no doubt in my mind that the professional training is in the
interest of the present administration and in the interest of professionals who
need to update their knowledge and acquire new skills.
“It
will also help improve mineral processing methods as participants are trained
to acquire and improve on the necessary techniques. This will definitely add
value to the economy of the country.”
The
training which was organised by the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and
Geoscientists (COMEG) has the theme: ‘Preparation of Bankable Mining
Feasibility Study Report’.
The
acting Vice-Chancellor of Plateau State University, Professor Stephen Mallo,
who represented the state Governor, Jonah Jang, described the event as a
welcome development, as he appealed to the organisers of the workshop to
consider training people at the lower level who are unprofessionally involved
in mining activities.
The
training consultant, and Managing Director of GEOPO Limited, Professor Ibrahim
Garba, also noted that Nigeria had failed to make impact in area of mining due
to poor knowledge of the people in the mining sector. He however expressed hope
that through such refresher courses and knowledge updating trainings, the sector
would find its footing again as a major stay of the country’s economy.
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