Alhaji Abdullahi Danchina, Bauchi CPC gubernatorial aspirant, has advised the Federal Government to pay more attention to the exploration of solid minerals deposits across the country.
Danchina, who is the Managing Director, Solid Unit Nigeria Ltd, a Jos-based mining company, also advised government to pay similar attention to the agricultural sector to boost the nation’s revenue base.
“The total dependence on the oil sector is not good for the economy; we must diversify if we are to survive as a nation,” Danchina said.
?He noted that the country was blessed with different types of solid minerals deposits, but lamented that the sector had suffered much neglect by successive administrations.
?“Out of the 36 states in the country, there is no state that has less than 20 types of solid minerals deposits.”
He listed some of the minerals to include gold, iron-ore, columbite, tantalite, gypsum, uranium, tin talc and granite, among others.
Danchina advised the Federal Government to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, noting that it was the second largest iron-ore deposit in the world.
The CPC strong man, who decried the neglect of other sectors for oil, said that the agricultural sector had the capacity to salvage the nation’s ailing economy if given the required attention.
“Agriculture is the main stay of the nation’s economy in the 60s and 70s. There is a documentary evidence that shows that 27 states have fertile land that can feed the entire African continent and even beyond,” he said.
He said that the two sectors, if developed, could also provide employment opportunities for youths, and called for strong policies that would make farming attractive.
“From findings, the current unrest in various parts of the country will be curtailed if the youths are engaged more positively,” he said.
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