The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has asked states in Nigeria to develop their solid minerals deposits to develop and improve the economy.

Dr. Fayemi stressed that the misconceptions of the states on the constitutional provision should not be an impediment to complement the Federal Government’s effort in their states.

The minister gave the admonition on Wednesday while giving a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of Annual Conference of Nigerian Mining and Geo-sciences Society in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State.

It was held at a banquet hall opposite the Government House.

Mining engineers and geo-scientists across Nigeria gathered to deliberate and find working solution on how the governments could diversify the economy from oil to other mineral resources which abound in the country.

The President of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society, Professor Gbenga Okunlola, decried the abandonment of solid minerals for crude oil which has been experiencing deep turbulence in the world market.

He thanked the present administration for showing interest in diversification and urged President Muhammadu Buhari to intensify efforts in the implementations of the proposal submitted in order to improve the economy.

The Minister in his keynote address, explained that the aspect of the constitution which gave the exclusive control of the mineral resources to the Federal Government should not be misunderstood by states.

“The states can enter into joint venture to develop mineral resources in their states.

“The Federal Governments is ready to partner with states in the development of their mineral resources to improve the economy,” Dr Fayemi told the gathering.

He further asked state governments to monitor the holders of mining licences in their various states to ensure proper monitoring of the nation’s solid minerals.

In his remarks, the State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, noted that solid minerals had the potential of generating significant revenue for the country but had been largely underexplored due to reliance on crude oil.

He added that 30 per cent of the world mineral resources and 40 per cent of gold and diamond were found in Africa but not tapped.

The minister and some state government officials later paid an inspection visit to a factory in Ilorin where he was shown round the nail, motor spare parts and other sections of the industry.

He expressed the determination of the Federal Government to continue to encourage and support the local industries to grow and reduce importation of items that Nigeria could produce. (Channels TV)

•Photo shows Dr. Fayemi.