Mr Kayode Fayemi, the new Minister of Solid Minerals, on Wednesday in Abuja, promised to diversify Nigeria’s economy from its mono product to solid minerals.
Fayemi made the promise when he assumed duty with the Minister of State, Mr Abubakar Bawa, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Istifanus Fuktur.
He said solid minerals were vehicles to diversify the economy and boost the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“We will deliver on the promises made by President Muhammadu Buhari to Nigeria to diversify the economy from crude oil to solid minerals.
“Our tenure will not accept business as usual because of the challenges facing our economy; but we are determining to ensure that we justify the confidence reposed on us.
“I am passionate about the solid minerals because of abundance of untapped minerals in my state and other states across the country.
“Our challenges have always been turning the potential into concrete reality; we are going to work with the ministry officials to achieve the set goal of Mr President,’’ he said.
He said the ministry’s earlier budget would be corrected to achieve the task given to the team by the president.
“We need all your support to achieve Mr President’s agenda; at the end of our tenure, solid mineral will be the number one resources generating maximum revenue for the country.’’
He warned the officials of the ministry that his tenure would not accept business as usual.
Also, Bawa called for the support of the staff, adding that adequate motivation would be given to them.
According to him, the current administration emphasised on solid minerals and would be achieved through hard work and commitment.
Earlier, Mr Fuktur, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry who was a former Director of Finance and Account in the ministry, said the ministry had its blueprint and good programmes to move the nation forward.
He said the biggest challenge of the ministry was the Ajaokuta Steel Industry that had been abandoned for decades.
He urged the ministers to revive the industry urgently, adding that rail construction would be needed for the movement of finished products to different locations.
NAN reported that the ministers and the permanent secretary were received by Mr Samuel Oluwole, the Director, Human Resources Management, and other top officials of the ministry (NAN)
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