Kasim Sumaina in Abuja
With a view to delivering its maximum economic benefit, the federal government has called for collaboration and cooperation of West African leaders in monitoring and halting illegal trans-border trade of solid minerals within the sub-region
The Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, stated this at the Opening Ceremony of Ouaga Dore, Gold West Africa in Burkina Faso.
Oga, in a statement to the press in Abuja by the Acting Director of Press of the ministry, Mr. Timothy Akpoili, while explaining efforts being made to diversify Nigeria economy, through the Mineral Sector, especially the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (PAGMI), said for the sub-region to properly harness the economic benefit of the abundant mineral resources, efforts must be made to curb illegal exploitation and transaction of minerals in the sub- region.
The Minister of State, who was a special invitee of the Burkinabe Government, emphasised the need for sustainable peace and security in the sub-region to enable it leverage and harness the gold value chain for industrialisation, wealth and job creation for its teeming youths.
According to him, “you have made a quantum leap in the development of your artisanal and small-scale gold production and today’s presentation of refined gold bar medallions speaks volume to the international investors.”
He described the Gold festival and presentation of Gold bars sourced mainly from artisanal operators in the country as a significantly bold step in developing the Gold and Mining value chain and deepening integration across the West African economic corridor.
The minister applauded the Burkina Faso Government for putting in place the right policies, which had increased investment in the mining sector of the country, and led to the development of the country’s artisanal and small-scale gold production, as attested by the event.
Earlier, the Minister of Mining and Quarries, Burkina Faso, Oumarou Idani thanked the minister for honouring the invitation and disclosed that the country was endowed with gold and manganese which were its chief sources of its revenue generation.
Mr. Idani, stated that his country was working on attracting investors as well as supporting and promoting the production of gold jewelries for export within and outside Africa, saying “we have a history of gold jewelers craft men in the country.”
Also, the Nigerian Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Mr. Zachariah Mallam Ifu, said the Nigerian Embassy was looking at areas of collaboration that would facilitate bilateral transactions between Nigeria and Burkina Faso in the solid minerals sector.
