The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has called for stronger intergovernmental relationships in coordinating the mining sector’s activities in the country.

The NGF made the call in a communique at the end of its meeting and signed by its chairman, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on Friday in Abuja.

Mr Abdulrazaq said the governors received a briefing from the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Oladele Alake, on government policies and the institutional and operational potential of the country.

He said the minister sought the cooperation of state governments in his drive to create an enabling business environment for investors, support artisanal and small-scale mining cooperatives, address illegal mining, and de-risk the sector.

“The minister encouraged state governments to form mining companies and apply for mining licenses.

“The forum welcomed the reforms; however, it advocated for stronger inter-governmental relations in coordinating the activities of the sector, from licensing and surveillance to operational safeguards,” he said.

Mr Abdulrazaq also expressed the forum’s commitment to achieving the necessary improvements in insurance and nutrition in the health sector.

He said this followed a briefing from NGF Senior Health Advisor Ahmad Abdulwahab on states’ progress with expanding health insurance coverage, nutrition performance, and the primary healthcare leadership challenge.

He quoted Mr Abdulwahab as informing the governors about the roll-out of Phase II of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in 21 states starting from May 27.

(NAN)