Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi A. Sule has met with the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, ahead of the commissioning of a 6,000-metric-ton solid minerals processing facility in Endo, Nasarawa State, in a move aimed at boosting mining, job creation, and economic diversification.
The courtesy visit focused on strengthening collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Nasarawa State Government to advance the solid minerals sector, which is a critical pillar of Nigeria’s non-oil economy.
Strengthening Federal–State Collaboration in Solid Minerals Development
Governor Sule commended the minister and the federal ministry for their continued support in unlocking Nasarawa State’s vast mineral resources, noting that the partnership has helped position the state as a major hub for mining and mineral processing in Nigeria.
He said the upcoming commissioning of the 6,000MT facility represents a significant milestone in the state’s drive to attract investment, create employment opportunities, and expand internally generated revenue (IGR) through responsible mining activities.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
According to the governor, the new processing facility will contribute to value addition in the solid minerals sector, reduce raw mineral exports, and stimulate local economic growth. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for investors while ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards.
Governor Sule added that the Nasarawa State Government remains focused on leveraging solid minerals development as a catalyst for sustainable industrialisation and inclusive economic growth.
In his response, Dr. Dele Alake reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working closely with state governments to deepen the solid minerals value chain and ensure that host communities benefit from mining activities.
The minister emphasised the importance of value addition, community development, and strong regulatory oversight in maximising the contribution of the solid minerals sector to national development.
Boosting Nigeria’s Economic Diversification Drive
Dr. Alake noted that the federal government is intensifying efforts to curb illegal mining, attract credible investors, and promote sustainable practices across the mining sector, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s economic diversification agenda.
The meeting highlights Nasarawa State’s growing profile as a strategic centre for mining and mineral processing in Nigeria, driven by sustained federal–state collaboration and increasing private-sector investment.
The commissioning of the 6,000MT facility in Endo is expected to further strengthen the state’s role in Nigeria’s solid minerals value chain and contribute to long-term economic development.
