The Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has called for more cooperation between the Nigerian and State governments towards the advancement of the solid mineral industry.

AbdulRazaq who is also the Kwara State Governor made the call at dinner in Abuja.

The dinner was organised by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and Africa Finance Corporation towards enhancing regulatory, governance collaboration and fast-tracking of development of the Mining sector.

At event which was thronged by senior government representatives and stakeholders, Governor AbdulRazaq emphasised the need for greater cooperation between the Nigerian and State governments on solid minerals, including how to tackle the challenges posed by non-state actors in the mining arena.

He also encouraged local processing of precious stones before exporting them, noting that “this will create thousands of jobs along the long value chain and stimulate an unimaginable economic boom for the benefit of our country.”

“I am advocating, among other things, for local processing of our precious stones, including lithium, before export. This will create thousands of jobs along the long value chain and stimulate unimaginable economic boom for the benefit of our country”the NGF Chairman stated.

Governor AbdulRazaq congratulated the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake on the success of the event, which was well-attended by the creme de la creme.

He said, “I congratulate my dear brother, the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development Mr. Dele Alake on the success of the event, which was well-attended by the creme de la creme in the industry.”