FG To Create Well Paid Jobs Through Mining, Agric Sectors

President Muhammadu Buhari has again reiterated his administration’s commitment to diversify the nation’s economy from dependence on oil and gas using mining and agriculture sectors as viable options.

He stated this while declaring open in Ibadan the 56th annual international conference and exhibition of Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society NMGS in Ibadan.

President Buhari who spoke through the minister of State for Mines and Steel ,Dr Uchechukwu Ogan said the mining and agricultural sector had huge economic potentials in creating well-paid jobs and wealth for the people.

The president who admitted that the security challenges facing the nation had affected the mining sector, however, explained that his government would tackle insecurity headlong

President Buhari promised that his government would scrutinise the recommendations contained in the Communique of the Conference with a view to adopting and implementing them.

In a paper entitled:Expanding the Frontiers of Exploration,Creating New Opportunities for Growth” Group Managing Director,Nigeria National Petroleum corporation,,NNPC Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari said the nation needed to move away from oil and focus more on gas and pledged the readiness of NNPC to Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to put the nation on the path of development.

Minister of state for petroleum,Timipre Sylva who noted that deregulation of oil was imminent explained that there would be provision of cleaner petroleum motor spirit,pms to Nigerians before degulation.

The minister of state for petroleum who was optimistic that the degulation of PMS would be achieved this year commended NMGS for its contribution to the development of oil and gas sector.

Speaking at the conference,Oyo state governor ,Engineer Seyi Makinde called for the delisting of mineral resources from exclusive list for states to fully tap from potentials in mineral resources.

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Governor Makinde said it was time for the national assembly to push for resource control for the state to ensure meaningful development.

Earlier,the president Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society, NMGS,Engineer Obadiah Nkom said the association would not relenting efforts to proffer solutions to the security challenges being encountered by its members.

Secretary to the Government of the Feferation,Boss Muatapha ,Minister of Mines and Steel ,Architect Olamilekan Adegbite,Minister of State for Mines and Steel development,Dr Uchechukwu Ogan,Minister of State for Petroleum,Timipre Sylva,Governor Seyi were presented with honourary fellowship award of NMGS for their contributions to the society.

Olukemi Akintunde