FG and NCDC Collaborate to Unlock Mining Potential in North Central Region
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, under the leadership of Minister Dele Alake, has entered into a strategic partnership with the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) to harness the vast mining potential of the North Central region. This collaboration aims to drive mineral processing initiatives, generate employment opportunities, and integrate artisanal miners into the formal economy.
Formalizing Artisanal Mining and Combating Illegal Activities
During a meeting with the NCDC management team, Minister Alake revealed that over 300 small-scale and artisanal miners have been organized into cooperatives as part of ongoing efforts to transition them away from illegal mining practices. He emphasized that the Bola Tinubu administration has made significant strides in law enforcement, with more than 300 illegal miners arrested and approximately 150, including foreigners, currently facing prosecution.
Value Addition Policy and Economic Impact
Alake highlighted that the North Central region has greatly benefited from the ministry's local value addition policy, which has spurred the launch of new mineral processing projects. This policy is designed to promote in-country processing and beneficiation of mineral resources, thereby reducing raw material exports and fostering industrial growth. According to the minister, mining now contributes over $2 billion to Nigeria's economy, supporting the administration's focus on developing regenerative economic sectors.
Building Enduring Legacies and Strategic Collaboration
The minister underscored President Tinubu's commitment to establishing lasting institutions, with the NCDC being a key example. He stressed the importance of a strong working relationship between the ministry and development commissions to leverage the solid minerals sector for broader economic growth. Alake assured the NCDC of the ministry's full support in achieving its mandate and urged for prioritization of strategic collaboration, transparency, and effective project execution to maximize regional impact.
NCDC's Vision and Proposed Initiatives
Dr. Cyril Tsenyil, Managing Director of the NCDC, explained that the visit aimed to identify areas of collaboration between the two institutions. He emphasized that such partnerships are crucial for aligning efforts, optimizing shared resources, and advancing sustainable development in the North Central region. Highlighting the zone's abundant mineral deposits, Dr. Tsenyil proposed the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to drive development in the mining sub-sector.
Commitment to Progress
The meeting concluded with both institutions agreeing to establish a technical working committee to facilitate progress and ensure the successful implementation of joint initiatives. This commitment reflects a shared dedication to unlocking the North Central's mining potential and fostering economic diversification through enhanced mineral processing and job creation.
