FG Seeks ECOWAS Support To Stop Illegal Solid Mineral Export

The Federal Government has called for collaboration from West African leaders in monitoring and halting illegal trans-border trade of solid minerals within the West African Sub-region.

The partnership, according to the government, would help the region derive maximum economic benefits from the solid mineral sector.

The Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, who stated these at a conference in Burkina Faso, noted that efforts are being made to diversify Nigeria’s economy, through the solid minerals sector.

He said one of the strategies that is being used to diversify the economy is through the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative.

The Minister said for the sub-region to properly harness the economic benefits of the abundant mineral resources, efforts must be made to curb illegal exploitation and transaction of minerals in the sub- region.

He stressed on the need for sustainable peace and security in the sub-region to enable it leverage and harness the gold value chain for industrialization, wealth and job creation for its teeming youths.

The Minister in a statement on Monday, applauded the government of Burkina Faso for putting in place the right policies, which had increased investment in the mining sector of the country, and led to the development of the country’s artisanal and small-scale gold production.

He said, “You have made a quantum leap in the development of your artisanal and small-scale gold production and today’s presentation of refined gold bar medallions speaks volume to the international investors.”

He described the Gold festival and presentation of Gold bars sourced mainly from artisanal operators in the country, as a significantly bold step in developing the Gold and Mining value chain and deepening integration across the West African economic corridor.

The Minister of Mining and Quarries, Burkina Faso, Oumarou Idani commending the Minister for honoring the invitation.

He noted that the country is endowed with gold and manganese which are its chief sources of its revenue generation.

Idani stated that his country is working on attracting investors as well as supporting and promoting the production of gold jewelries for export within and outside Africa, saying “we have a history of gold jewelers craft men in the country”.

The Nigerian Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Zachariah Mallam Ifu, said the Nigerian Embassy is looking at areas of collaboration that would facilitate bilateral transactions between Nigeria and Burkina Faso in the solid minerals sector.