The Federal government has advocated sustainable collaboration with miners and gold processors in the solid mineral industry to optimize economic viability deposited in the sector.

Permanent secretary, of the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Oluwatoyin Akinlade made the call yesterday at the opening of an enlightenment forum organized for stakeholders in the metals sector in Kano.

Dr Akinlade revealed the untapped mineral resources deposits and their economic potential to the nation, adding that if properly harnessed, Nigeria has what it takes to general enough revenue from the non-oil industry.

The permanent secretary hinted federal government plans to revamp the solid mineral industry to create job opportunities, wealth creation and security for the community. She said the meeting with the stakeholders was designed to build a knowledge base and address challenges facing the operators in the gold value chain.

As preparatory to economic diversification, Dr Akinlade disclosed the readiness of the Federal government to unveil the International Gold Souk in Kano. She asserted that the gold market designed for general transactions of jewellery would further showcase the nation’s craft in gold making.

” The meeting with the stakeholders is a prelude to the commissioning of the international gold market that would be established in Kano. The intent of the meeting is to seek the collaboration of stakeholders in the value chain, including the miners, processors, jewellery makers, gold Marketers, customs and security services.

“We intend to have a platform to showcase Nigeria’s craft in Gold making industry and making Kano a destination for international gold trade. The federal government is providing a mix between government agencies and those in the value chain to revamp the industry.

“We equally want to listen to stakeholders’ challenges with a view to providing solutions thereby making the general affairs a win-win relationship. We want to create adequate knowledge of the operation and build concerted solidarity with the stakeholders”. Dr Akinlade noted.

Chairman, Nigeria Miners Association, Kano, Alh. Yahaya Kolo urged mutual resolution with the federal government to eliminate the acronym of illegal miners while addressing its members. He said miners in Kano are genuine business operators who are law-abiding citizens contributing to revenue generation of the federal government.