US Will Help Nigeria To Raise Coal Industry

Nigeria is going to resuscitate its coal industry, as Nigerian Minister of Solid Minerals Elder Odion Ugbesia told it Tuesday.

At the opening of bids for coal resource development held in the capital Abuja, Ugbesia said coal sector was capable of generating employment, creating wealth and alleviating poverty.

"The government is of the view that a vibrant coal industry in Nigeria will generate employment, alleviate poverty and increase government revenue in line with the National Economic Empowerment Development Strategy. According to the minister, the constitution of a high powered inter-ministerial committee by President Olusegun Obasanjo in March 2004 is among the efforts targeted at reviving the industry.

Nigeria signed an agreement with the United States last July for a grant to finance a feasibility study on coal resource development in the country.