The former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development (MMSD), Idris Kuta, has advised the federal government to pay more attention to the development of the solid minerals sector and the Ministry of Agriculture as this would help salvage the nation's economy of the nation.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP on July 30, 2013, the retired civil servant posited that it was high time government gave full attention to these sectors to ensure Nigeria has a guaranteed future.

On existing opportunities in the solid minerals sector, Kuta said, "There is no local government in Nigeria that lacks at least one mineral product or the other. If this is so, what stops us from developing those sectors so as to ensure economic development, job creation for the youth as well as improved revenue for the government?" he asked.

Recalling Shale's discovery that oil can be extracted from rocks, he asserted that "it was high time government gave serious consideration to the development of solid minerals rather than concentrating on oil and gas only." Speaking on the role of citizens, the former permanent secretary was optimistic that if government would recognise the role of informal miners by making available the technical knowhow and even making available tools and machineries, it would ensure not only job creation, but productivity in the Nigerian economy. "They are also contributing to the economy," he stressed.

On challenges in the sector while he was still in service, Mr Kuta recalled that major players in the industry were doing well, but were not paying their due taxes based on the NEITI report released earlier this year. He said, "Major players with licences are doing well, but are they fulfilling their responsibilities by paying their due taxes? They owe the government and the Nigerian people some responsibilities by paying their taxes," he added.

Commending the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr Musa Sada, he said, "The minister did well by setting up a committee to visit some mining sites to monitor what they do and checking to ensure that they pay the required taxes.