The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has highlighted Nasarawa State’s strategic role in advancing Nigeria’s mining sector, citing its abundance of critical minerals such as lithium.
Speaking on Friday during a meeting with Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule and Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru in Abuja, Dr. Alake described Nasarawa as an “epicenter of mining” in Nigeria and emphasized the need for collaboration to harness its mineral wealth for national development.
“Lithium, for instance, is quite massive in Nasarawa State. It is like an epicenter of mining in Nigeria. This underscores the importance of continuous collaboration with the Governor to scale up mining activities in the state. I have received robust cooperation from both the Governor and the Minister of Defence, all centered around the development of our solid minerals sector,” Dr. Alake stated.
According to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Segun Tomori, Dr. Alake noted that reforms initiated in the mining sector over the last 17 months are already attracting global players, signaling progress in Nigeria’s drive to unlock its mineral potential.
Joint Efforts to Address Challenges
Governor Abdullahi Sule lauded Dr. Alake’s leadership in advancing President Bola Tinubu’s mining agenda. However, he raised concerns about security challenges in some mining areas, which hinder operations.
“The purpose of this meeting is to work together to find solutions to security challenges, ensuring that mining operations continue unhindered,” Governor Sule said.
The Governor revealed that lithium factories in Nasarawa are functioning optimally, with new ones under construction, underscoring the state’s growing prominence in the mining value chain.
Federal Government’s Push for Security
Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru reiterated the federal government’s determination to eradicate insecurity nationwide. He disclosed that recent military operations have allowed mining activities to resume in states like Zamfara.
“The bandits are on the run, and the military will not rest until the country is fully secured. The President has given us a clear directive to end insecurity nationwide by the end of the year. The National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, and our team are working round the clock to achieve this,” Minister Badaru stated.
Momentum in the Mining Sector
Dr. Alake expressed optimism about the prospects for Nigeria’s mining industry, citing increased global interest and ongoing reforms designed to transform the sector into a major economic driver.
With Nasarawa State emerging as a focal point for critical minerals, the collaboration among federal and state governments, private sector stakeholders, and security agencies is poised to enhance mining activities, address security challenges, and solidify Nigeria’s position in the global mining value chain.
