In its determination to attract both foreign and local investors in the development of the mining sector, the Federal Government assured investors of its unalloyed corporation to provide a conducive atmosphere for operators in the sector. Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Chief Sarafa Tunji Isola made this assertion when he received in audience The Vice Minister of Commerce, the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Chen Jian in his office recently.

The Minister said that this visit was timely as it reaffirmed the present administration’s commitment to partner with China and other countries towards the development of the Solid Minerals Sector as way of diversifying the Nation’s economy from Oil and Gas.

Chief Isola who commended the enthusiasm shown by China investors to develop the sector disclosed that parts of the efforts being made by the Federal Government to develop the Mining and Steel Sector were enactment of new policy instruments (Mining Act of 2007 and the Minerals and Metals policy which are in line with instrumental best practices.

He also added that the Federal Ministry of Justice was already working on Mining Regulations that would remove the official policy inconsistencies in the Administration of Mineral titles to allow investors develop the Mining Sector within the international best practice.

Chief Sarafa also assured the China investors that Nigeria would continue to provide a conducive environment for mining adding that this development would allow private investors to drive the sector while government regulates operations in the Sector. The Minister reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to partner with Chinese investors to develop the Mining Sector. The Vice Minister of Commerce, the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Chen Jian, who led the Chinese delegation earlier in his remark, said that the purpose of their visit was to better cooperation between the countries in the area of mining development.

Jian said that Nigeria is one of China’s biggest trade partners in Africa as Chinese business men were already in the country for new investment opportunities, adding that China consortium is presently participating in Oil Exploration, Power Plant and Gas Pipe Projects.

He also disclosed that the Chinese Government was ready to provide Infrastructural and Social services in Nigeria in partnership with the Nigerian Government.