Mr. Kayode Fayemi, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, has called on key successful mining countries to assist Nigeria in its bid to diversify the economy through solid minerals.

Fayemi made the call while receiving Mr Perry Calderwood, the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, the country seeks for the assistance of successful mining countries to achieve the mandate of President Muhammadu Buhari to diversify the economy from crude oil to solid minerals.

Fayemi, who said that Canada had been able to grow its economy through mining sector over the years, expressed Nigeria’s willingness to emulate that country’s laid down structures and processes to move its economy forward.

“We have to hit the ground running; we have no time to waste at all to achieve the mandate of the present administration.

“We want to learn from successful countries, including Canada on their success stories in mining; we need their experience, assistance and others.”

Earlier, Calderwood said his visit was to discuss with the minister on areas that Canadian government could collaborate with the ministry.

He said the two countries would continue to enhance the existing dynamic ties between them, adding that Canada had earned and achieved a lot through its mining sector.

NAN reports that mining sector is the leading customer in Canada’s ports and it’s the highest paying industrial sector.

It is also the largest employer of aboriginal people.

In 2011, mining companies invested 17 billion dollars in capital investment and paid 7.1 billion dollars in corporate taxes and royalties. (NAN)

•Photo shows Fayemi.