Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced the registration of five Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) during the 5th Annual Conference of the National Council on Mining and Mineral Resources Development (NCMMRD) held in Ilorin from Monday to Wednesday.
Governor AbdulRazaq emphasized that each of the 16 local government areas in Kwara State possesses abundant and commercially viable mineral resources. He invited investors to explore these natural endowments and contribute to the economic development of the state.
The Governor disclosed plans to establish a standard mineral market within the state, ensuring that all minerals mined in Kwara are registered locally before transportation to other destinations.
Speaking at the conference themed “Minerals and Metal: A Panacea for Economic Growth and Diversification,” Governor AbdulRazaq commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for bold investments aimed at diversifying the national economy. He underscored the importance of reducing dependence on oil, stating that lessons had been learned from the challenges associated with such reliance.
“The need to diversify the economy and harness potentials in the solid mineral and other sectors cannot be overemphasized. The excessive reliance on oil has proven to be unhelpful for our country, and I’m glad we appear to have learnt our lessons,” he added.
“I appeal to the Honourable Ministers present, the DG MCO, DG NGSA to give us all necessary assistance to actualise our dream of becoming a major solid mineral producing state in the country.”
The conference, which brought together delegates from all 36 states of the Federation, witnessed the presence of key figures such as Minister of State for Mines and Steels Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari.
Minister of State for Mines and Steels Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari highlighted the crucial role of the steel industry in modern infrastructure and economic diversification. He urged stakeholders to collaborate in revitalizing the steel sector, emphasizing the need for concrete actions and measurable outcomes.
Minister Maigari called on miners to prioritize partnerships with local communities to ensure mutual benefits from resource extraction. Despite challenges faced by the sector, he encouraged innovation, collaboration, and a forward-thinking approach.
In his contribution, State Commissioner for Solid Mineral Development, Abdulqowiyu Olododo, assured guests of the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of investors within Kwara’s borders.
He emphasized collaboration with security agencies to protect investments and outlined a framework that aligns with the Federal Mining Act.
“I use this opportunity to convey to our esteemed guests that we are wholeheartedly committed to the advancement of solid minerals, thereby harnessing the economic potentials of valuable minerals such as gold, tantalite, and lithium, which are abundant in our state,” he said, adding that a framework is in place to facilitate works in the state without encroaching upon the existing Federal Mining Act.
Representing Dangote Group, Alhaji Teslim Jimoh, stressed the importance of security in the mining sector. He urged the federal government to enhance the safety of miners, particularly considering that a significant portion, thirty percent, are foreigners.
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