The Kano State government has expressed its commitment to harnessing investment opportunities and creating an atmosphere to attract investors in the solid minerals sector.

Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Alhaji Safiyanu Hamza Kachako, said this yesterday when he visited the Federal Government Gold Souk at Batakaye, Western Bye Pass in Kano.

Kachako expressed satisfaction with the Federal Government’s establishment of the only Gold Souk in the North and pledged the state’s readiness to revive gold refining and trading in the centre.

The commissioner, who was received by investors, explained that Kano is strategic to gold refining, being the commercial hub in northern Nigeria, stressing that the state would be willing to boost the export of solid minerals in the centre.

Besides, Kachako said the government is reorganising mining activities to enhance state security, prevent environmental degradation and pollution while improving revenue generation and employment opportunities.

He pledged to visit the Federal Ministry of Solid Mineral Resources, Abuja to ensure that the multi-million naira Gold Souk starts operation as all the necessary facilities and equipment have been put in place.

He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to leave no stone unturned in reaching out to all stakeholders within and outside the country for collaboration and capacity building to achieve the target goals.

The commissioner, however, expressed dismay with land encroachment observed at the premises of the Gold Souk and quickly ordered a proper investigation to address the sad development amicably.