The minister of mines and steel development Olamilekan Adegbite says the ministry will work with stakeholders in the mining industry to ensure optimal development of the sector. 

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Mr Adegbite said the mining sector has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to government diversification plans a reason for collaboration among stakeholders to grow the country's economy and attract more revenue generation to the economy.

At a  meeting with stakeholders in Abuja, Tuesday, Adegbite noted that the ministry is willing to work with the leadership of the governor's forum with a view to ensuring adequate cooperation aimed at curbing problems of illegal operation in the sector.

He advised the stakeholders to make the country their first focus and expressed the need to avoid past mistakes of the sector.

Earlier, president of the miners association of Nigeria, Muhammadu  Kankara called for more support in every state through proper funding stressing that the sector has potentials for job creation which he said will further reduce the rate of poverty in the country.