The Kwara State Government in north-central Nigeria has taken significant steps to enhance its mining potential by registering five Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for the acquisition of viable mining sites. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq aims to position the state as a major producer of solid minerals in Nigeria.
During the 5th Annual Conference of the National Council on Mining and Mineral Resources Development (NCMMRD) held in Ilorin, the Governor highlighted the abundant mineral resources in each of the state’s 16 local government areas, inviting investors to explore these natural endowments.
Governor AbdulRazaq expressed his commitment to establishing a standard mineral market in the state, where all minerals mined would be registered before transport to other locations. He commended the decision to host the council meeting in Kwara and hoped that the resolutions reached would stimulate sectoral development.
Acknowledging the need to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil, Governor AbdulRazaq thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for investments aimed at economic diversification. He appealed to relevant authorities for assistance in realising the state’s goal of becoming a major solid mineral producer.
The conference, themed “Minerals and Metal: A Panacea for Economic Growth and Diversification,” attracted participants from various sectors, including the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari, federal parliamentarians, members of the Kwara State Executive Council, and professionals in the mining sector.
Minister Uba Maigari emphasised the importance of the steel industry, calling it the backbone of modern infrastructure. Despite challenges, he urged collaboration and innovation to revitalise the sector, leading to job creation and economic diversification.
In his goodwill message, a representative of Dangote Group, Alhaji Teslim Jimoh, highlighted the crucial role of security in the mining sector and urged the federal government to enhance safety measures for miners, including foreign nationals. State Commissioner for Solid Mineral Development Abdulqowiyu Olododo assured the commitment to advancing solid minerals while ensuring compliance with federal regulations.