Alake: Nasarawa State, a formidable partner in Nigeria’s minerals development

*Dr. Oladele Alake, Minister for Solid Minerals Development Alake, affirm that Nasarawa State of Nigeria has been a formidable partner in harnessing the vast minerals potential in the state for national development

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Federal Government of Nigeria has emphasised the significance of Nasarawa State in advancing the country’s mining sector.

Dr. Oladele Alake, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development, said this while receiving Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, and Abubakar Badaru, Honourable Minister for Defence, in his office Friday, January 31, 2025.

Alake affirmed that Nasarawa has been a formidable partner in harnessing the state’s vast Minerals potential for national development.

Mr. Segun Tomori, Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, in a statement quoted Dr. Alake to have said: “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 reforms and efforts to promote the mining sector over the last 17 months, he noted, have begun to bear fruit as global players increasingly, are expressing interest in Nigeria’s mining industry.

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

The Nasarawa State Governor, however, acknowledged that challenges, such as insecurity persist in some areas, prompting the need for further collaboration with the Minister and the Minister of Defence.

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

Sule further disclosed 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.

Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru 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.

Badaru said: “The bandits are already on the run. The military will not rest until the country is fully secured.

“The President has given us a clear directive to end insecurity in all parts of the country by the end of the year.”

The Minister for Defence added: “The National Security Adviser (NSA), the Chief of Defence Staff, and our team are working round the clock to actualise that target.”