The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has highlighted the vital importance of Nasarawa State in advancing Nigeria’s mining sector.
Speaking during a meeting in his office on Friday with Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, and the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, Dr Alake described Nasarawa as a strong ally in the effort to unlock the state’s vast mineral potential for national benefit.
“Lithium, for instance, is quite massive in Nasarawa state. It is like an epicenter of mining in Nigeria, which is why it is important for us to always discuss with the governor and collaborate with him to scale up mining activities in the state. I have received very warm and robust cooperation from him and the minister of defence, all centered around the development of our solid minerals in Nigeria,” the Minister stated.
Dr Alake further observed that reforms aimed at repositioning the mining industry over the past seventeen months have begun to yield positive results, with increasing interest from international investors.
In his address, Governor Sule praised Dr Alake for effectively championing President Bola Tinubu’s vision for mining sector growth. He pointed out that despite progress, insecurity remains a challenge in some areas, necessitating closer cooperation with the Minister of Solid Minerals and the Minister of Defence.
“The purpose of this meeting is to work together and find solutions to security challenges, so that mining operations can go on, unhindered,” Governor Sule said.
The Governor also noted that lithium factories in the state are functioning optimally, with additional plants under construction, emphasising the importance of sustained collaboration with the private sector to reinforce the mining value chain.
Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru reaffirmed the federal government’s resolve to eliminate banditry and criminal activities nationwide. He stated that ongoing security operations have already enabled the resumption of mining activities in Zamfara State.
“The bandits are already on the run. The military will not rest until the country is fully secured. The President has given us a clear directive to end insecurity in all parts of the country by the end of the year. The National Security Adviser (NSA), the Chief of Defence Staff, and our team are working round the clock to actualize that target,” Minister Badaru assured.
