Nigeria's federal government has said it will work with China's China Railway Investment Group Limited (CRIG) to develop explored mineral deposits across the country. This was stated by Olamilekan Adegbite, Minister of Mines and Steel of Nigeria, speaking at a briefing on Saturday in Abuja.
“The ministry will invite the Chinese company to invest in both the mining and metals industries, in sectors that will contribute to the industrialization and prosperity of the nation,” he said.
Adegbit recommended that the Chinese invest in the extraction and processing of some basic minerals such as gold, bitumen, barite, LED, zinc, cobalt, lithium, coal, and precious stones. According to him, this will satisfy and expand both local and international markets and ensure GDP growth in the economy.
He also urged Chinese investors to invest in a steel mill in Ajaokuta, saying that 13 to 14 minerals are available in Nigeria to make high-quality steel.
“The only thing left for the steel plant in Ajaokuta to start production is the completion of the blast furnace,” the minister said.
