Nigeria is blessed with over 400 mineral resources in commercial quantities.

Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Alhaji Musa Sada

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Alhaji Musa Sada, on Tuesday said Nigeria was blessed with over 400 mineral resources.

Sada spoke at the opening of the 17th made in Nigeria Trade Fair in Katsina, organised by the Katsina State Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture.

He said most of the mineral resources were discovered in commercial quantities and of good grade that if harnessed could provide revenue to the government.

Sada was represented by the Director, Steel and Raw Materials, Mr Ehidi Imo.

He identified some of the minerals to include iron ore, cassiterite, precious stones, metal, kaolin, chromite, talc, asbestos and silica.

He said, “Exploitation of these minerals and value addition will definitely enhance contribution of the Solid Minerals Sector to the Gross Domestic Product, reduce poverty and generate employment.”

In his remarks, Gov. Ibrahim Shema, said his administration would continue to establish projects and provide enabling ground that would facilitate commercial activities in the state.

Shema was represented by the Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi.

He said the state government was willing to partner with investors for wealth creation and provision of gainful employment to people.

Shema also said that government would establish micro finance banks in all the 34 local government areas to boost medium and small scale businesses in the state. (Source-Punch)