The Delta State Government has announced its concern to partner with the Federal government on the development of solid mineral resources in the state.
The governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa disclosed this after receiving the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah, during a courtesy visit to Government House in Asaba on Thursday.
According to Governor Okowa, there is a need for a strong collaboration between the Federal government, the states, and the private sector to develop the solid minerals industry.
Okowa explains that if the sector was developed, states and the federal government would have fewer revenue challenges as they currently depended on oil minerals alone to develop the country.
Okowa while expressing his satisfaction over the outcome of the minister’s visit also said that the Minister has given him some briefs and he did not know that the appropriate ministries will be made to relate with his office.
He said the opportunity is necessary because it is an attempt by the federal government to have a structured approach to mining development rather than allowing it to be the way it was in the past years.
Okowa maintains that the Minister also briefed him about what is going on in some states and also some actions on how to undertake a public-private partnership in the development of Kaolin in the state while looking into other areas.
Okowa stated that the Minister also reassure him that whatever assistance he needed that they are willing to deal with it, stating that, “The honorable minister is paying a visit to a place where we have more than 500 persons in employment and it’s something that should interest everybody, including the state and the Federal Government.
Okowa also mentioned having a strong partnership with the Federal government, the states, and the private sector, adding that, it has become a combination of these two arms of government with the private sector to truly help develop the mineral sector the way it should be.
He said, “This is important because until we truly develop it, we will not be having the best of gains and revenue for our country Nigeria.”
The Minister, while speaking stated that, he was in Delta to brief the governor on his ministry’s commitment to developing the solid minerals sector.
The Minister said, “I am here today to pay a courtesy visit to His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, and acknowledge his wonderful works in the state.
The Minister also explains how collaborating with the state government will help diversify the economy, stating that, “Most importantly, to ensure collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and the Delta State government is to help leverage on President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive to diversify the economy using minerals and agriculture.
The Minister in his remarks, thank Governor Okowa for his assurance to collaborate with the Federal government on the development of its solid minerals.
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