Sokoto to get $6m from World Bank to ‘open up mining sector’

The Sokoto state government said on Friday that it had concluded arrangements with the World Bank to access $6 million to support mining activities in the state.

NAN reports that the commissioner for solid minerals and natural resources development made the disclosure at a news briefing in Sokoto.

The briefing was organised by the state ministry of information as part of activities to mark two-year in office of Governor Aminu Tambuwal.

“These funds would be accessed by the state government under the Solid Minerals Intervention Funds and this is a good omen for the state,” Goronyo said.

He said that move was part of the commitment of the government to explore the sector for social and economic development.

The commissioner disclosed that the state government had recruited 30 Geoscience Officers to help open up the sector.

“The ministry had also trained sixty nine stakeholders on gemstone cutting and polishing in Kaduna state,” adding that the training was conducted with support from the Bank of Industry.

“Moreover, arrangements have reached advanced stage for the establishment of fertilizer production plant under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement at the total cost of N5 billion,” he said.

“This is proposed to manufacture NPK and SPP fertilizer, which are in high demand in the market, as our abundant phosphate and other local raw materials available in the state are inputs in fertilizer production.”

Goronyo said the ministry, which has modern facilities to fast track businesses, had recorded successes since its creation in 2012 and would continue to prioritise exploitation of all available mineral deposits in the state.

“Solid minerals sector remained the most viable and one of the best options to diversify the Nigerian economy and increase the revenue base of the nation.

“The present administration under Gov. Aminu Tambuwal has given all the necessary support and assistance towards achieving this objective.”