The mining sector is a strong propeller for Federal Government’s
Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), the Minister of State for
Mines and Steel Development, Abubakar Bawa Bwari, has said.
Opening
the Second Annual Northern Nigeria Solid Minerals Fair and Workshop in
Minna, Niger State, Bwari said ERGP has facilitated removal of
impediments to investment with the metals and solid minerals sector
receiving priority attention as a catalyst for attracting private sector
funds to the economy.
“The sector provided 24 of the 70
projects, including eight five-star projects that require zero public
investment,” he disclosed, even as he hinted the projects are expected
to facilitate private sector investment worth $3.32bn and create 238,000
jobs.
He listed ERGP’s success as the designation of three
minerals – gold, lead-zinc ore and tin as quick win commodities, the
issuance of a gold refinery licence to an indigenous company and the
ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the gold refinery plant
in Mowe last Thursday.
He also noted that challenges hindering
commercial exploitation of the minerals are being removed, while a new
export policy has been developed to remove hurdles associated with
export permits and licencing.
Represented by Umar Hassan, an
engineer, the minister highlighted achievements of his ministry,
including increased revenue to government coffers, job and wealth
creation and the acquisition of gold by the Central Bank of Nigeria to
stabilise the nation’s currency.
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