Kano Gold Market to commence operation soon – Commissioner
Assurances have been goven that the new Gold Souk in Kano State will soon begin operation, as the state government state government expressed its readiness to work with licensed miners to harness the state’s natural resources for the economic benefit of both parties.
The state commissioner, Ministry of Solid Mineral and Natural Resources, Alhaji Safiyanu Hamza Kachako, disclosed this over the week during a visit to the state’s Gold Souk, situated at Batakaye, Western Bye Pass, Kumbotso Local Government Area of the state.
A statement signed by the ministry’s director of public enlightenment, Adamu Ibrahim Dabo on Saturday said the commissioner explained that the Gold Souk was built in Kano by the federal government in collaboration with the state government to serve as a center for gold refining and trading in the northern states.
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“Indeed Kano is strategic and remains a commercial hub of northern states hence the location of the Gold market to provide a conducive atmosphere for the commodity stakeholders to mine, refine for local patronage and export to the world market directly from Kano…..” the commissioner added.
He pledged to visit the Federal Ministry of Solid Mineral Resources, Abuja to ensure that the Gold Souk starts operation as, according to him, all the needful facilities have been put in place.
Kachako pointed out that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf made a commendable foresight in establishing the ministry for the first time in the state to, among other things, reorganize and refocus mining activities to enhance state security, prevent environmental degradation or pollution as a result of mining activities, improve revenue generation and provide employment opportunities for the state.
He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to leave no stone unturned in reaching out to all stakeholders within and outside the country for collaboration and capacity building to achieve the target goals.
The commissioner however expressed dismay with land encroachment observed at the premises of the Gold Souk and quickly ordered for proper investigation with a view to addressing the sad development amicably.
He who was accompanied by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Engineer Mansir Yakubu, directors and some senior staff of the ministry.
