WIKE–FG should allow the state to control her mineral resources~details below
Rivers state governor Nyesom Wike has called on the federal government to allow the state to manage their respective minerals and then pay royalties to the central government
Governor Wike made this call when the Minister of state for Mines and steel development, Uchechukwu Ogah who paid him a courtesy visit at the state government house Port Harcourt
He said the call became pertinent because the federal government which unilaterally controls the country’s rich mineral endowment has failed to transform the mineral wealth into overall economic development.
The Governor added that in order for the country to benefit from its vast mineral endowment, the federal government should concentrate on the formulation of polices that will facilitate an improvement in the mining sector to improve the social welfare for the citizens
“The federal government is carrying so much load which they are not supposed to carry
They should allow the states to control this minerals and pay royalties to the government at the center that is the way it supposed to be, Wike said.
He further urges the Minister to push for reforms that will enable the states and local government to take charge of the mining solid minerals in their domain and then pay tax to the federal government.
“It is very important for people to know that, part of the problem in this country is that every body is depending on crude oil when we are supposed to look at other minerals.
“Minerals play a vital role in terms of raising revenue for any country, so for our over emphasis on oil have reduced our impact on other minerals”.
Wike noted that, “if the country fully harness the gold deposit in Zamfara as well as minerals in other states of the federation
The country will make a lot of revenue from these minerals that can accelerate development
He further lament that, despite the possibility of Ajaokuta steel company project generating huge revenues for the country and creating not less than 3,000 jobs
The federal government for some political reasons, have failed to actualize the aspirations of the country to become a major player in the steel industry.
He declared that the Rivers state government is prepared to collaborate with the federal government to develop the mineral sector of the country
“Governor Wike further advised the federal government to “shun playing politics with issues of economic developments” and strive to entrench the ideas of good governance in the country.
In response– the Minister told the governor, that he is in the state to share with him the vision and policy focus of the federal government for the development of the nation’s solid mineral resources.
Ogah stated that his visit is to solicit for the support and partnership of the state government in ensuring the orderly and the efficient exploitation of huge deposit Silica sand, glass sand, clay which are in the state for construction purposes and glass manufacture.
“in addition permit me to also remind you of the abundant sea salt that is yet to be exploited in Rivers as a state bordering the Atlantic Ocean which might also be an interesting area collaborative development, Ogah said”.
He commended the governor for the peerless success his administration has recorded in matching actions with mission statement of actualizing the aspirations of the good people of Rivers
For a balanced development and enhance the quality of life for the present and future generations through responsive governance guided by the fear of God
“your administration has accomplished its mission as seen in the massive infrastructure and cultural integration, provision of essential social amenities
And many other legacy projects for the prosperity of Rivers state people and Nigerians living and doing business in the state, he said.