27 March 2012, Sweetcrude, ABUJA – The Federal Government has said it was willing to work with private development partners to ensure that the minerals and metal sector contributes significantly to the nation’s economic development.
The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Musa Mohammed Sada dropped the hint during his visit to Dangote Cement Group in Ibese, Ogun State as part of his official tour of the South West part of the country.
The Minister, who expressed delight at the progress made so far by the cement company, pointed out that due to the level of involvement of mining operators such as Dangote cement Group, they are not just stakeholders but development partners in the sector.
Arc. Sada said government as a regulator in the minerals and metal sector of the country would continue to partner with development partners so as to move the sector forward.
According to him, “I believe with partners like Dangote Group, our economy will grow. The Group’s level of involvement in the sector is great; it is not just stakeholders but development partner, we will continue to partner and encourage Dangote Group, until the country gets to where it is supposed to be by the year 2020.
The minister said his official tour of the south west of the country indicated that some of the mining operators were willing to take up the challenge of growing the minerals and metal sector of the country.