With the dwindling fortune in global oil sector, the Government of the South West States have been told to collaborate and work together in order to invest in solid mineral resources of their region to increase the revenue base of their respective States.
The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru stated this during an optimization roundtable dialogue on solid minerals organised by Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission (DAWN), in Ibadan.
He said that the region would be able to drive industrialisation and create employment opportunities through its vast reserve of mineral deposit, adding that the sector would improve the socio-economic growth of the region.
Otunba Ashiru stated that the states should look inward into areas where they have comparative solid mineral resources advantage to strengthen the economy of the region.
The Commissioner noted the need for the region to set up its own Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) in line with the provision of section 19 of the Mineral and Mining Act of 2007 to regularise and develop the mining sector.
According to him, the committee would assist in reducing the negative impact of mineral exploration on human lives and environment as well as sensitising the general public and potential investor on the danger of illegal, un-regularised and uncontrolled mining operation in their various States.
Speaking at the meeting, the Director General, Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission (DAWN), Mr. Dipo Famakinwa stated that the meeting would afford participants and stakeholders to critically appraise the status of solid minerals in their region and strategise for holistic intervention in the areas of need.
Famakinwa expressed the need to create a plan of action for exploring opportunities and creating a platform for development of the solid minerals sector, adding that it would diversify the regional economy.