By Ayo Ayodele
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to unlock the mining potential of Nigeria’s North Central region through a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the North Central Development Commission.
Speaking during a meeting with the management of the commission in Abuja, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said the collaboration is aimed at boosting mineral processing, creating jobs, and formalising mining activities in the region.
Alake disclosed that over 300 artisanal and small-scale miners have been organised into cooperatives as part of government efforts to curb illegal mining and integrate operators into the formal sector. He added that more than 300 illegal miners have been arrested under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with about 150 suspects, including foreign nationals, currently facing prosecution.
Highlighting the impact of the government’s local value addition policy, the minister said the North Central region has witnessed the emergence of new mineral processing projects. He noted that the policy, which promotes in-country processing and beneficiation of mineral resources, has contributed over $2 billion to Nigeria’s economy.
According to him, the initiative is designed to reduce the export of raw minerals while stimulating industrial growth, job creation, and economic diversification.
Alake stressed the importance of synergy between the ministry and regional development commissions, describing the solid minerals sector as critical to Nigeria’s broader economic agenda. He assured the commission of full support in achieving its mandate and urged its leadership to prioritise transparency, collaboration, and effective project execution.
“You have a very critical role to play… you are doing it for the Nigerian nation,” the minister said, encouraging officials to focus on legacy and national impact rather than material gains.
Earlier, the Managing Director of the commission, Cyril Tsenyil, said the visit was aimed at identifying areas of collaboration to drive sustainable development in the region. He emphasised the need for strategic partnerships to maximise resources and outcomes.
Tsenyil also proposed the establishment of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to accelerate development in the mining sub-sector, citing the region’s vast mineral deposits.
Both parties agreed to set up a technical working committee to advance the partnership.
Established under the North Central Development Commission Act of 2024, the commission is tasked with driving development across Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau states, and the Federal Capital Territory.