Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State has said that the government is committed to diversification, just as he wants the existing centralized law on mining to be reviewed.
The review is to enable State and Local governments play roles in the exploitation of solid mineral resources and with the involvement of Local communities.
The Governor made the assertion in Kano on Tuesday while declaring open, a 2- day Northwest Zonal Outreach and Town Hall meeting, organised by Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI.
Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Nasir Yusuf, the Governor acknowledged the important roles of NEITI and the choice of Kano due to interest and the increasing revenue arising from the diversification.
Ganduje noted with delight that the zone is endowed with abundant mineral resources and commended the organization for its avowed commitment to Transparency and accountability in the extractive Sector.
Speaking on harnessing extractive industries opportunities, Prof. A.S Arabi of the Department of Geology, Bayero University Kano, advised States in the Zone to do more on internally generated revenue, create enabling environment and human capital development in the extractive industries.
The Don also stressed the need for prudent management of available resources, ensure citizens focused policies and adequate security.
In a key note address, the Ag.Chairman. NEITI Board, Alhaji Isa Dutse advised State and Local governments to take special interest in the organization’s reports saying that the workshop was not only brought to Kano because of the rich solid mineral resources , but to bring its messages closer to the people.
Represented by a member of the board, Otunba Gbenga onayiga, the Chairman reiterated the commitment of the organization to ensuring that revenues from the critical sectors of the economy are transparently utilised and also give the solid mineral resources the attention they deserved.
Alhaji Isa therefore called on State and Local governments to take special interest in the NEITI reports , assuring of partnering them to enhance Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative in Nigeria.
On his part, the Director, Communications and Advocacy, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji emphasized that NEITI is working with Government, Companies and CSOs to improve openness and accountability in the management of revenues from natural resources.
Dr. Orji said NEITI was all out to among others , encourage domestication, promote participation in EITI implementation, public education, information sharing and enlightenment, as well as open interaction with Zonal Representatives.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the organization, Mr. Waziri Adio had given a brief background of NEITI and also enumerated its primary objectives which are centered on due process, transparency and accountability.
Participants were drawn from government and the Private sector, including Civil Society Organizations, media and traditional rulers in the zone comprising Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa Sokoto , Zamfara and Kano States.
