BY: AMANDA O'BRIEN From: The Australian October 28, 2011 12:00AM


THE mysterious non-appearance of Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan at a packed CHOGM forum yesterday where he was scheduled to outline his country's mining potential, failed to stop his delegation launching a strong bid for investors to get on board.

Nigeria has one of the biggest delegations with more than 120 people and its towering President with his distinctive black hat has cut an imposing figure at the business forum all week.

But there was no explanation yesterday when he failed to appear for two scheduled speeches.

Nigerian Mines and Steel Minister Musa Mohammed Sada took his place, declaring Nigeria "the last frontier" for mineral exploration in west Africa as he touted for investors.

Mr Sada said substantial mining was happening in all the neighbouring countries as "big-time mining companies" recognised their mineral worth, and Nigeria wanted to join in.

"There is no scientific reason to say that such resources are not also existing in Nigeria, if not even better," he said. "We have also been endowed with the right quantities of these minerals."


He said Nigeria had identified seven "world-class" commodities, including coal, iron ore and gold.

He said coal reserves were estimated at more than 2.7 billion tonnes, iron ore more than 3bn tonnes and one gold findwith an estimated 600,000 million ounces.

Mr Sada said the government had initiated reforms to help break down investment barriers.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/goodbye-goodluck-but-nigerian-show-goes-on/story-fnapmixa-1226178871235

Embarrassing.

Nero partying while Rome burns

after party blues