Nigerian Government, Bauchi State to collaborate on Solid Minerals reforms

Bauchi State Government in North-east Nigeria says the State has revisited its solid minerals policy, now christened “natural resources policy”, which encapsulates the framework for partnership with the Nigerian Government.

The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed stated this to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake in Abuja, the nation’s Capital.

The Governor also pledged to collaborate with Nigerian Government in the mining sector without deteriorating the environment.

According to him, the natural resources policy seeks to deepen community engagement, unbundle the sector in such a way that there won’t be environmental degradation and ensure artisanal mining is controlled in collaboration with the ministry.

While congratulating Dr. Alake on his appointment, the Governor asserted that he is a square peg in a square hole.

“Your pedigree is what we want to create in terms of human capital development for leadership. We have been following your activities since you assumed office, and we can boldly say you are doing your best to reform the mining sector and give it the needed visibility. We are happy with what you’re doing,” the governor said.

The Governor whilst noting the partnership of the ministry with Nasarawa State in North – central Nigeria, which culminated in the establishment of Lithium factories, made a case for similar support for Bauchi state to develop what he described as its vast metallic minerals, including Lithium.

“Bauchi is number 1 in terms of Lithium in the country, and we even pick it from the streets, amongst other critical minerals. We have been bombarded by so many countries and because of the security implications of that, because we are patriots, we cannot allow anybody to come and penetrate that sector without absolute regulation and control in collaboration with the Federal Government,” Governor Mohammed asserted.

While commending Bauchi State for its commitment to developing the vast mineral resources in the State, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the renewed interest of federating units in developing the mining sector, stressing that it is in tandem with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Dr. Alake also stated the need for Nigeria to diversify the economy and the transitioning to clean energy by the global community necessitated the shift in focus to development of solid minerals by the present administration.

“It is gratifying that sub-nationals are fast keying into our vision to make solid minerals a major contributor to our nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). I have listened extensively to your submission, Your Excellency, and you can be rest assured that we will give you all the cooperation and requisite partnership to ensure that Bauchi becomes one of the leading states contributing immensely to our common patrimony for the prosperity of all Nigerians”, Dr. Alake emphasised.