Abuja - October 18 - Mediaage NG News – The Chairman, Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Senator Osita Ngwu on Tuesday inaugurated members of the Committee. During the inauguration, he said all sites of Illegal mining within and outside Abuja have been uncovered and are collated.
Interacting with other members of the Committee, detailing its work plan, he also said having paid a courtesy visit to the Chinese Embassy, its Ambassador pledged to fight the illegal exploration of resources out of the country.
Also read:
Senate Seeks Enhanced Attention For Technology Development
Vice Chairman of the Committee, Senator Mustapha Khabeeb on his part, said illegal exploration of solid minerals is not just the problem but, licensing. He added that whatsoever has been mined should be produced and refined in the country.
While also emphasizing the importance of having a good laboratory where solid minerals are processed, Senator Khabeeb said that mining sites belong to the state governments who must be accorded proper negotiations, also with traditional rulers.
He said the country has huge mineral resources that can generate wealth for the country and expressed dissatisfaction over the underutilization of the sector.
The meeting also had in attendance Senator Friday Konbowei, Senator Musa Maidoki, Senator Benson Friday, and Senator Garba Musa.
