The Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has said states in the country are not constitutionally barred from exploring mineral deposits in their states.

He described as a misconception insinuations that states can not partake in solid mineral exploration and exploitation. Fayemi spoke on Tuesday during the 52nd international conference of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

He, however, said there should be collaboration between states and the Federal Government to harness and grow solid minerals in the country.

Fayemi added, "There is nothing in any law in this country that prohibits states from being active participants in the development of minerals endowed in their states. As a former governor, I know where the shoe pinches the government and I know the importance of this to state governments to increase their revenue base.

"But I also know that the law that is referred to, which gives exclusive control of mineral resources to the Federal Government, does not, in any way, suggest that states cannot form their own special vehicle or enter into partnership with joint venture operator in order to develop the resources that abound in their domain. That is an excuse for inaction if states say that.

"However, the Federal Government must actively encourage states to play a part. If anyone imagines that the minister will sit in Abuja, and simply because someone has licence, can just enter into Share in Kwara State and starts operating without some level off engagement with the local authorities; it's a misnomer.

"That is not the intention of our constitution. It is the residue of our authoritarian past that is still allowing people to feel that that is what exclusivity refers to. I want to assure the governors that we need to be partners." According to him, the volatility of the international oil market coupled with the attendant volatility of government revenue give credence to any argument for the diversification of exports.

He added that the fact that crude oil was an exhaustible asset made it unreliable for sustainable development of the Nigerian economy. He said the adverse consequences of dependence on oil trade heightened the need and call to diversify the Nigerian economy from oil to non-oil export trade.

Fayemi stated, "Mining in Nigeria dates back to the early 1990s and early geological exploration has proved that Nigeria is highly endowed with at least 44 known mineral assets that include precious minerals, base metals, bulk minerals and what are known as rare earth minerals.

"More specifically, our most promising mineral assets include gold, iron ore, barite, bitumen, lead, zinc, tin and coal. These minerals, when properly harnessed and developed, can provide the long-awaited succour and economic emancipation for the nation."

The President, MNGS, Prof. Gbenga Okunlola, said to develop the sector, government should be involved in all key roles but in different capacities, adding that the correct mix of intervention and participation was required According to him, public institutions for data generation must be strengthened in terms of funding, logistics and capacity development.

He added that the government needed to have a clear and appropriate strategy for each of the mineral types. The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, said the mining sector could serve as a key driver in the quest for sustained economic growth and development in the country.

The governor called on the Federal Government to allow increased participation by states in the solid mineral sector, especially in exploration, the collection of royalties, fees, fines and taxes accruable from solid minerals.