Nigerian Newsday

By David Dari

Lack of consistent policies, poor capital and the absence of incentives from the government have been identified to be responsible for lack of the development of solid mineral sector in Nigeria.

The General Manager of Nasbago mining company in Keffi, Nasarawa State, Chief Nathaniel Shawai Bahago made the assertion while speaking to Nigerian Newsday in Karu, recently.

He said these problems and many others have brought about the backwardness in the solid mineral sector, which he described as the key or bedrock to the socio-economic advancement of the country.

According to him the federal government should come out with clear cut policies and support the indigenous miners with capitals and incentives to enable them exploit the abundant solid mineral resources in the country.

The general manager who expressed the belief that the solid mineral sector if properly developed would be a major revenue earner to the country and also create job opportunities, urged the present administration to give the sector the desired attention it deserved.

Mr. Bahago, who recalled that mining and agricultural sectors were before the advent of oil, the major revenue earners to the country stressed the need to give emphasis to the solid mineral sector.

The Keffi- based miner said that the federal government should invest in the solid mineral sector in order to avoid the dangers of operating or running a mono-economy "since the country was blessed with standard solid mineral potentials".

He lamented that due to lack of encouragement, the sector has failed to develop adequately despite its position as a major money spinner, adding that such has also pushed many people in the sector out of job.

Mr. Bahago stressed the need for the present administration at all levels to give greater emphasis on the solid mineral sector to enable it play its active role in turning around the economy of the nation.

He however, assured that on their part, they would continue to do their best within available means to ensure that the mining industry continues to thrive in view of its importance to the socio-economy advancement of the country.