Nasarawa State has joined an exclusive group of four states in Nigeria that earn over ₦1 billion from federal allocations in the solid mineral sector. This announcement was made by the Director General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office, Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom, who represented the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, during a visit to Governor Abdullahi Sule in Lafia on Friday.
The Minister highlighted the state’s progress in generating solid minerals revenue from exploration, stating, “Nasarawa State has assumed a solid mineral haven and other minerals there, as a result of the business-enabling climate your administration, from the policies and programmes.” He added, “Nasarawa State has joined the league, from our records, of four states earning above one billion naira, and I stand to be corrected, in the federation allocation accruing from solid mineral royalty earnings.”
The Minister’s delegation, in Lafia to convey the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals’ approval for the state to host the 6th Council on Mining meeting in November, also addressed the resolution of conflicts between two mining companies, the state government, and host communities.
On the selection of Nasarawa State for the Mining Council meeting, the Minister stated, “The choice of Nasarawa State for the 6th Council meeting is informed by the commitment and visibility of His Excellency, the Governor, and all the contributions that the state is making towards developing the Home of Solid Minerals. We hold his contributions dear as a critical stakeholder.”
The Mining Council, as explained by the Minister’s representative, is a Federal Executive Council creation that serves as the central consultation platform for stakeholders in the mining industry to engage with the Ministry of Solid Minerals. It is the apex body on mining policy issues, providing a forum for interactive discussions and advisory roles to the government on solid mineral matters.
