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From Gyang Bere, Jos
Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilakan Adegbite has urged Nigerians to resist the activities of those who smuggle minerals out of Nigeria.
He said the Ministry is collaborating with the Nigeria Custom and Nigeria Immigration Service to end the menace for the development and growth of Nigeria economy.
Adegbite disclosed this on Friday during an official visit to the National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC), Jos, where he was received by the Director General /Chief Executive, Prof. Linus O. Asuquo.
He said adequate investment in research development for mineral exploration and processing at the National Metallurgical Development Centre Jos, would accelerate growth and development of the country’s economy.
“We will try our best to see how we can invest some funds at the Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC) because a nation cannot progress without research development.
“For us to move forward in Nigeria, we cannot continue to export everything, we have alot of graduates who are coming out of school every year. Mineral exploration and processing must be given adequate attention.”
He lamented the activities of bandits and kidnappers in the country and called for a holistic approach towards addressing the menace in the interest of peace and progress in the country.
“There are people that are left behind, we must do everything possible to move along with them, these are the people we call the bandits. Because they were not given proper education or skills and they resort to criminality.
“I pray that Nigeria will be able to tackle those problems. We must give them education, we must give them skills and that has to do with all of us because changing Nigeria is our collective responsibility.
“Whatever I am doing, i have to do it right and with the fear of God, I have to place the country first; because we have issues, people will smuggle minerals and when they get to the point of exit we should not allow them ”
The Director General/Chief Executive, National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC), Jos, Prof. Linus O. Asuquo said the agency is one of the key agencies in the mineral and metals sector that it’s activities are crucial in value addition and development of processes in the entire mineral processing chain: from exploration to extraction to fabrication.
He appreciated the ministry for supporting the agency and appealed to the minister to intensify priority on research and development for the diversification of the economy.
“The Centre through the MonDivers, has now acquired new facilities. EVO 25 scanning Electron microscope with complete Accessories for minerals and metals examination and analysis; 1No PM6 Lapping and polishing Machines with GTS1 thin section cutting machines.
“These equipment enhance the centre’s capacity for mineral identification, Processing, Metallurgical research and analysis and the conduct of forensic science. Very few of such equipments are indeed available on the country.” He stated.
