Yahaya Idris, Lafia.
The effect of the dreaded coronavirus did not end with human life and health alone, it has also crumbled the economies of nations and states all over the world.
The pandemic has affected global oil demand as it has to decline, forcing the price of petroleum products which Nigeria depends on to go below the bench mark.
To increase the revenue base, Nasarawa state government has marshalled out plans to diversify and burst it’s economy, as it has woken up and is beaming its light on non oil sector like the Solid Minerals sector via federal government.
The Ministry for Environment and Natural Resources led by Hon Musa Ibrahim Abubakar on Friday ( yesterday ) embarked on mining sites assessment tour across the state as part of it’s Sector Implementation Plan as approved by Governor Abdullahi A Sule.
The tour is aimed at supporting and encouraging artisanal miners and mining companies who are striving to continue with their activities since the survival of these companies will be strategic to the revenue drive of the state.
The Mining companies visited include Yamfa & Sons Nigeria Ltd, which mines copper, Emo Ashafura Nigeria Ltd which mines barytes and some artisinal miners at Akiri and Wuse all in Awe Local government council.
The Commissioner and his entourage were in Awe Local government where he met with the local government officials led by the Secretary Alh. Musa Sabo.
Alhaji Abubakar also met traditional rulers of the area at their palaces of the Sangarin Awe Alh. Isa Abubakar Umar ll and that of Sarkin Azara Alh. Dr. Kabiru Musa Ibrahim where he explained to them the essence of the assessment tour.
The stakeholders of the communities presented their grievances to the Commissioner on relationships with the mining companies.
Members of the entourage include Special Advicer to the Governor on Solid Minerals and Mining, Hon. Hudu Tafida, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, representative of Nesrea and Senior Directors from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.
