Reforms to promote mining sector bearing fruits -Alake

Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals development, has said reforms and efforts to promote the sector over the past 17 months are bearing fruits.

This, he said, is evident in global players’ increasing interest in Nigeria’s mining industry. The minister also emphasised the significance of Nasarawa State in advancing the nation’s mining sector, a statement by the ministry said.

Speaking while receiving Abdullahi Sule, Nasarawa State governor, and Abubakar Badaru, minister of defence, in his office on Friday, Alake affirmed that Nasarawa has been a formidable partner in harnessing the state’s vast mineral potential for national development.

“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 further said.

In his remarks, Governor Sule commended Alake for effectively driving President Bola Tinubu’s agenda on mining development.

He acknowledged, however, that challenges such as insecurity persist in some areas, prompting the need for further collaboration with Alake and his defence counterpart.

“The purpose of this meeting is to work together and find solutions to security challenges so that mining operations can go on, unhindered,” said Sule.

He also revealed that lithium factories in the state are operating optimally, with additional factories under construction, highlighting the imperative of ongoing collaboration with the private sector to strengthen the mining value chain in the state.

Abubakar Badaru, defence minister, reiterated the federal government’s commitment to eradicating banditry and other criminal activities nationwide, stressing that efforts have already led to the resumption of mining exploration activities in Zamfara.

“The bandits are already on the run. The military will not rest until the country is fully secured,” he said

He added that “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 actualise that target.”