The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has partnered with the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) to unlock the mining potential of the North Central region and drive job creation through mineral processing and value addition.
Speaking during a meeting with the management team of the Commission in Abuja, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said the collaboration is part of the federal government’s broader strategy to formalise the mining sector and enhance its contribution to the economy.
Alake disclosed that more than 300 small-scale and artisanal miners have been organised into cooperatives as part of efforts to curb illegal mining and integrate operators into the formal system. He added that over 300 illegal miners have been arrested so far, while about 150 suspects, including foreign nationals, are currently being prosecuted.
The minister further noted that the North Central region has significantly benefited from the ministry’s local value addition policy, with new mineral processing projects already underway. According to him, the policy has helped the mining sector contribute over $2 billion to Nigeria’s economy by promoting in-country processing and reducing the export of raw minerals.
He explained that the initiative is designed to boost industrial growth, create jobs, and support economic diversification under the administration of Bola Tinubu.
Alake emphasised the importance of collaboration between the ministry and development commissions, describing the solid minerals sector as critical to Nigeria’s long-term economic growth. He assured the NCDC of the ministry’s full support in delivering on its mandate and urged its leadership to prioritise transparency, strategic partnerships, and effective project execution.
“You have a very critical role to play… you are doing it for the Nigerian nation,” the minister said, encouraging officials to focus on impactful service rather than personal gain.
Earlier, the Managing Director of the Commission, Cyril Tsenyil, said the visit was aimed at identifying areas of collaboration between both institutions. He stressed that partnerships are essential for aligning efforts, leveraging shared resources, and driving sustainable development across the region.
Tsenyil also proposed the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to accelerate development in the mining sub-sector, citing the region’s rich mineral deposits.
Both parties agreed to establish a technical working committee to advance the partnership and ensure effective implementation of joint initiatives.
The NCDC, established under the North Central Development Commission (Establishment) Act of 2024, is tasked with driving development across the North Central geopolitical zone, which includes Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory.