The Nigerian Mining and Geoscience Society (NMGS) says Nigeria has the capacity to become an attractive destination and mining hub of the world.

Mr Charles Alabo, the President of NMGS, made the assertion on Friday in Ilorin during a news conference organised as part of the 58th Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the society.

He also observed that if properly handled, the mining sector can sustain the economy of Nigeria without depending on oil.

“There is need for the government to support individuals and entrepreneurs who are interested in the mining sector.

“There is no mineral resources from any part of the world you cannot get in this country. The government can strengthen the industry and also get their shares,” he said.

Alabo therefore urged the federal and state governments to do more in curbing illegal mining, adding that some indigenous people support foreigners who come to scavenge the land.

He emphasised on the need for sanity in the sector, if the country can utilise the resources effectively.

On the conference, the MNGS president explained that the week-long forum would create the needed awareness, inform the public and provide the cutting edge knowledge economy to drive the extractive sector of the nation.

He added that the theme of the event is entitled: “Development of Nigerian Earth Resources: Current Realities”, which is apt because of the great potential the sector holds for Nigeria to diversify the economy towards sustainable development.

Alabo observed that Kwara has become a city that presents ambience of modernity in network of roads, functional airport, flourishing private and public universities that run Geoscience and mining programmes.

He congratulated Gov. AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq over his re-election and wished him a fruitful tenure. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola