The Federal Government has stated its readiness to revive the Coal mines in Enugu State to enhance economic growth of both the state and the country..
Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, made this known while briefing newsmen after a meeting with Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, at the Government House, Enugu, on Friday.
Ogah, who led a delegation from the ministry, said “we are in Enugu on a fact-finding mission to know what is already on ground, what the federal government has done and what we can do to revive the coal mines in Enugu State so that they can help grow the economy and generate jobs”.
He added that the step was in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s vision to pull over one million people out of poverty, saying, ” We believe that mining sector is one of the key areas that can be used to do that”.
Oga disclosed that the federal government was determined to address the challenges hindering the full operation of coal mining in Enugu State so that every royalty due to it and the state is realised.
He thanked the Enugu State Government for her efforts in developing coal mining in the state.
“We thank God for the partnership we are having today with the state government to curb illegal mining and other factors hindering progress. The governor has promised there will be stronger collaboration between the state and the federal government to see how illegal mining will be curbed in the state”, Ogah said.
