FG to partner West African leaders on illegal minerals trade fight

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

Minister of State Mines and Steel Development Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah while speaking at the opening ceremony of Ouaga Dore,Gold West Africa in Burkina Faso recently stated that the sub region stand to gain maximum economic benefit when this alliance is formed.

Ogah, who was a special invitee of the Burkinabe Government, while explaining efforts being made to diversify Nigeria economy through the Mineral Sector, especially the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (PAGMI), said for the sub-region to properly harness the economic benefit of the abundant mineral resources, efforts must be made to curb illegal exploitation and transaction of minerals in the sub- region.

In a statement signed by the acting director press Ministry of Mines and Steel Development Mr Timothy Akpoili, the minister also stated 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.

He commended the Burkina Faso Government for putting in place right policies which had resulted in increased investment in the mining sector and  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 “significant step in developing the gold and mining value chain and deepening integration across the West African economic corridor.”

He commended the contributions of the country’s mining partners like Messrs. Kian Smith for the “remarkable milestone,” adding that, Messrs. Kian Smith is a major player in the Nigerian mining sector as it holds a gold refinery license and minerals buying centres.

Earlier, Minister of Mining and Quarries Burkina Faso Oumarou Idani stated that the country is endowed with gold and manganese which are its chief sources of  revenue generation. He added that the  country is working on attracting more investors as well as supporting and  promoting the production of gold jewelleries for export within and outside Africa, “We have a history of gold jewellers craft men in the country,” he said.

Nigerian Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Mr  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.

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