(Ecofin Agency) - The Government of Finland has expressed interest in supporting Nigeria in the development of its geological prospects and entire mining sector. This was declared when officials of the Geological Survey of Finland visited the minister of mines and steel development, Kayode Fayemi (photo), in Abuja, Business Day reports.

According to Philipp Schmidt-Thomé, the leader of the Finish delegation, their aim is not to imitate what they have done in Finland and other countries, but to collaborate with the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency in identifying the areas of need, help the country in the development of the industry and also provide support in terms of capacity building.

Speaking during the visit, the Nigerian Minister of mines and steel development revealed that while Nigeria is rich in mineral with large green fields, it is doing less than other African countries like Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali and Cote d’Ivoire in the development of its mineral resources. Fayemi added that with the government’s renewed drive in developing the sector, the country is willing to work together with any country that has immeasurable experience in solid mineral development.

Anita Fatunji