Illegal Gold Dealers Make N1.2b Daily – Gov Bago

By Oduyemi Odumade

The Niger state Governor Muhammed Umar-Bago says illegal dealers in gold make an average of 1.2billion Naira
daily.

He stated this at the Inauguration of the Mohammed Umar-Bago international Gold market in Minna.

According to the Governor the Inauguration of the gold market will ensure gold mining activities and sales benefits the State due to its huge potential in revenue generation.

He said despite the huge daily turnover on the sale of gold in the black market, the government did not benefit from it.

Bago said the decision to articulate the sales by establishing the market was borne out of the need to register and take inventories of gold sellers to enable the government identify legitimate dealers.

He also disclosed that the creation of the market will help in addressing illegal Gold mining adding that similar markets will subsequently be constructed in Bida, Kontagora, Suleja, and Borgu while Kuta and Kagara will also follow suit.

Earlier, the chairman of Chanchaga local government area, Aminu Ladan said the project when completed will boost economic activities in the state and also pave the way for new businesses to grow.

Edited By Grace Namiji