Plateau State Gov. Simon Lalong

Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau has said that his administration plans to establish mineral processing plants in all localities they exist to eliminate bottlenecks associated in processing them abroad.

Lalong, who was represented by his Deputy, Prof. Sonni Tyoden, made the disclosure at the Plateau State Special Day at the 10th Abuja International Trade Fair.

``We will establish mineral processing plants in all the localities to eliminate the bottlenecks associated in processing them abroad,’’ he said.

According to him, the government will also embark on projects for the purpose of developing the mineral potentialities of the state.

Lalong listed some of the proposed plants as kaolin, gemstone and lime, adding that the government would complete its mineral museum and international lapidary complex to serve as training and laboratory centres.

He said his administration would support the local governments and private entrepreneurs to ensure that agricultural products were produced in commercial quantities for the benefit of the state.

``There are a lot of potential that are yet to be fully tapped, we are embarking on commercial agricultural projects, such as dairy farm and milk processing plants.

``In the determination of government to inculcate investment culture in the people, it has embarked on deliberate actions to boost the commercial portfolio of the state.

``It is presently in the process of acquiring land for the construction of international trade fair complex and also plans to set up more satellite markets to boost commercial activities in the state,’’ he said.

The governor said the state would set up a One Stop Shop to boost commercial activities and ease doing business in the state and also work toward getting the inland container depot operational.

He said the administration had incentives for all investors that would be willing to do business in the state.

Lalong noted that the tin mining industry in Plateau was the first major foreign exchange earner for the country.

He said with the discovery of petrol, the tin sector was relegated to the background leaving some killer ponds in the state.

``This has rendered our lands infertile, it is in this regard that I call on the Federal Government to consider turning the wastelands into useful purposes whether in the agricultural or tourism sector,’’ he said.