The stone industry is capable of providing jobs for one million jobless Nigerians, a World Bank report on sustainable management of mineral resources project (SMMRP) in Nigeria indicates.



SMMRP Project Coordinator Mr. Linus Adie made the disclosure at an interactive meeting with dimension stone operators in Abuja. He said the report indicates that Nigeria can be self-sufficient in marble and granite products, adding that "We are told that in sharpening the manpower in this country Nigeria can also be self sufficient in the required manpower to drive this industry. We are told that because of your product can cut cost by 100%."



Adie said the World Bank is ready to assist Nigeria to display its potential dimension stone at the Carrara Marmotetic Stone Fair in Italy by May this year.



He said neither the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development nor the SMMRP can achieve the enviable target alone, which was why the World Bank accepted to assist financially by paying part of the operators' accommodation.



The operators eventually formed themselves into a group and adopted some suggested names such as Dimension Stone Association of Nigeria and Association of Dimension Stone Operators in Nigeria, which the SMMRP pledged to finance its registration at the Corporate Affair Commission.



The stakeholders however conducted an election for protem officer from which, Group President, Rich Group, Alhaji Kabir Umar emerged president with Mrs. Vivian Wya of the Ministry of Finance emerging as the vice president.