A former Minister of Education, Prof. Chinwe Obaji has described mining as one of the viable options to diversify the nation’s economy.

According to her,  the sector could create more jobs and wealth for the citizens if judiciously managed.

Obaji spoke during the inauguration of the Girls for Mining in Abuja on Wednesday.

She advised the government to take charge of the sector and reduce the influence of foreigners in the sector.

Obaji said, “It is high time we looked into mining as one of the areas we can diversify our economy. The foreigners are here and making huge money from it. We need to take control of what we have underground. This can help create jobs and increase the wealth for them. That is why we have decided to bring the programme to schools.”

In her remarks, a fellow of the Nigeria Mining and Geosciences Society, Sefinatu Sani, said the only alternative for the country to diversify its economy was through mining.

She stated that the government must ensure that mining is done accordingly to reduce the hazards attached to it.