Kogi ministry of solid mineral gets collaborative nod with federal counterpart »

Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development has expressed its readiness to collaborate with Kogi State Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources to use the sector to propel development in the confluence state.

This was part of the commitment obtained by the Commissioner in the ministry, Engr Abubakar Bashir Muhammed in a meeting he held with the Director of Mines Inspectorates, Engr Frank Udom in Abuja on Monday.

According to Engr Udom, creation of the ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources by Governor Yahaya Bello is a step in the right direction, noting that it was time for states in the federation to begin to think of how best they can utilise their natural resources to compliment accruing federal resources.

The meeting which saw other sensitive issues being discussed and a suitable roadmap for the development of solid minerals in the state outlined, had the Director applauding the vision for deploying the commissioner there.

He described Engr Bashir as a brilliant individual with full knowledge of how the ministry can be used as a cornerstone for the overall positive turnaround of Kogi State economy, and praised Governor Yahaya Bello for his efforts in the state so far.

Engr Udom further advised the state on the need to establish what he described as ‘Mineral City’ where all mineral deposits can be itemised and proper utilisation planned, called on the commencement of work on Estimated Value for minerals with high economic importance to the state and the federation.

Responding, the Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr Abubakar Bashir Muhammed expressed gratitude to the Director for granting him audience and for suggesting ways the vast mineral deposits in the state could further be enhanced for the economic benefits of the state.

He assured his host that Governor Bello is a man that is passionate about the sector and that he has put all the necessary steps in place to ensure the resources of Kogi State works for its citizens.