Obasanjo declares 2007 minerals, mines year
In recognition of the potentials of the mineral sector, the federal government has officially declared the year 2007 as Minerals and Mines Year (MAMY).
President Olusegun Obasanjo said at the official launching of MAMY in Abuja that the country's rich mineral endowment held much promise for the development of the nation.
Obasanjo was represented at the occasion
by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Chief Ufot Ekaete.
The president said the government would spend N2 billion this year to rehabilitate abandoned mine sites and would from now on insist on pre-mining closure plans from companies to discourage environmental degradation.
He said that MAMY was a platform to formalise information, education and communication outreaches to ensure meaningful local engagement and participation in the sector.
He said the sector had to be given recognition because vital aspects of industrial development required the utilization of mineral resources.
The president noted that the mineral boom in recent years led to 200 per cent increase in the prices of minerals like gold, copper, zinc, lead and tantalum.
He said that the development had impacted on economies of China and India and showed that optimal use of earth resources was a measurable indicator for development.
He further noted that ``now that we have laid extensive ground work to support vibrant mining, we eagerly count down to the prospective date in the near future when the fruit of our labour will discernibly translate into substantial revenue generation.''
He added that ``we are at the threshold of a major turn around in the fortune of Nigeria with respect to solid minerals.''
In her address, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Prof. Leslye Obiora, said that the sector must be revived so that Nigeria could benefit from the global mineral boom.
She said that the country must harness the morethan 34 mineral types it was endowed with, which,she added, would in turn create massive employment opportunities, diversify the nation's revenue base and create wealth for Nigerians.
Obiora said that to achieve its aims, the ministry embarked on reforms to ensure transparency and good governance which were the bedrock of attracting both foreign and local investors.
In their goodwill messages, Senate and House of Representatives Committee Chairmen on Solid Minerals, Sen. Cosmas Niagwan and Rep. Ogbuefi Ozomgachi, expressed delight that government had realized the potentials the sector.
They assured Nigerians that the mineral Act would be passed before the end of this month.