19 January 2016, Abuja — The Italian government has indicated interest in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector following the huge prospects shown to investors.
The interest in the nation’s solid minerals sector was made known during a courtesy visit by the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Fulvio Rustico, to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, to his office in Abuja.
Rustico said the solid minerals sector is one priority area that his country has interest in and that the listing of the sector by the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration as a major sector to diversify the economy makes it more attractive.
He added that Italy looked forward to have closer bilateral relations with Nigeria in this regard, and acknowledged Nigeria as a rich country with huge possibilities and that this “talking together” will open new horizon for both countries.
Meanwhile, the Minister disclosed that the Nigerian government and its Italian counterpart have commenced discussions regarding areas of cooperation in solid minerals development for mutual benefits.
He said government has been making efforts to woo more local and foreign investors to invest in Nigeria’s solid minerals based on government’s diversification drive and commitment to job creation in the sector.
However, the minister maintained that the ministry would not compromise standard and strict adherence to laid down rules, as far as the Nigerian Mining and Minerals Act 2007, is concerned.
- Vanguard