Nigerian Government, Commission partner to unlock mining potential in North Central region

*The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the North Central Development Commission partner to explore the vast mining potential of the region towards boosting job opportunities through mineral processing in Nigeria

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

As part of efforts at maximising benefits in the value chain, the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD) and the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) have collaborated to unlock the vast mining potential of the region, and boost job opportunities through mineral processing.

ConsumerConnect reports the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the NCDC have established a partnership when Mr. Dele Alake, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development, received the Management team of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) recently in his office, in Abuja, FCT.

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Speaking during the engagement, Alake disclosed that over 300 small-scale and artisanal miners have been organised into cooperatives as part of ongoing persuasive efforts at discouraging them from illegal mining, and integrating them into the formal sector.

The Minister also noted the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration thus far, has arrested over 300 illegal miners while about 150 others, including foreigners, are currently undergoing prosecution.

Alake highlights Nigeria’s local value addition policy in sector

Alake disclosed the North Central region has benefitted immensely from the Ministry’s local value addition policy as new mineral processing projects have taken off in the region.

Through value addition policy, Alake said mining is   contributing over $2 billion to the West African country’s economy as the Tinubu administration continues to develop the regenerative sectors of the economy.

The Minister as well explained that the policy is designed to encourage in-country processing and beneficiation of mineral resources, thereby reducing raw material exportation while boosting industrial growth, job creation, and overall economic diversification.

Besides, Alake assured that President Tinubu is focused on building enduring legacies.

He equally noted that the Commission stands as one of such lasting institutions in the sector.

Alake also emphasised the need for a robust working relationship between the MSMD and other development Commissions in Nigeria.

He stressed the critical role of the solid minerals sector in driving broader economic growth.

The Minister assured the Commission of his Ministry’s total support to deliver on its mandate.

He urged its leadership to prioritise strategic collaboration, transparency and effective project execution to maximise impact across the region.

Lara Owoeye-Wise, Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, Sunday, April 12, 2026, also stated Alake said: “You have a very critical role to play and note that you are not doing it for the president or the government.

“You’re doing it for the Nigerian nation. And your own names would also be etched in the sands of time, that when you were there, when you had the opportunity, you made your own contributions.”

He stated: “This is my own guiding philosophy and your conscience will be clear and you can go to bed in peace.

“You don’t have to make material acquisition your main focus because materialism is transient, a flash in the pan.”

NSCDC proposes Special Purpose Vehicle to drive development

Earlier in his remarks, Dr. Cyril Tsenyil, Managing Director, North Central Development Commission (NCDC), said the visit was meant to seek areas of collaboration between the two institutions.

Dr. Tsenyil noted that such partnerships are essential for aligning their efforts, leveraging shared resources, and driving sustainable development initiatives across the North Central region.

Highlighting the region’s rich mineral deposits, the Managing Director of NCDC also proposed the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to drive development in the sub-sector.

The statement indicated the stakeholder meeting concluded with a commitment by both institutions to establish a technical working committee to drive progress.

The North Central Development Commission (NCDC) is a Federal Government agency established by law set up to drive development in Nigeria’s North Central region.

The enabling law is the North Central Development Commission (Establishment) Act (2024) under President Tinubu.

The Commission focuses on the North Central geopolitical zone, which includes: Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja)

The Federal Government created the NCDC to close this development gap, similar to what agencies like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) do in their respective regions in the West African country.

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