EMEKA OKONKWO
ABUJA – NIGERIA and South Africa have formalised economic and technical cooperation in geology, mining and mineral processing, which is
envisaged to advance economies of the two countries.
This follows the endorsement of a two-year work plan for the implementation of a Momerandum of Understanding (MoU) earlier reached
between the two countries in the areas of mining, mineral processing and metallurgy.
Nigeria Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, and his South African counterpart, Mosebenzi Zwane, endorsed the MoU in Abuja.
The two-year work plan, which is a follow up to the meeting between
President Mohammadu Buhari and South African President Jacob Zuma, earlier in the year, is scheduled to commence in January 2017.
It is to be concluded by December 2018.
A communiqué released after the meeting in Abuja stated the MoU aligned the activities to support the cooperation in mining and minerals
development with the respective National Priority Programmes of both countries.
This includes diversification of the economy and job creation that span energy security, industrialisation and advancement of agricultural
development in the context of food security programme.
Fayemi said both countries have some things to learn from each other in their drive towards economic diversifications and economic sustainability.
He said the effective execution of then work plan would further strengthen the cordial relationship between the two countries.
– Guardian