The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has emphasized the crucial role of Nasarawa State in advancing Nigeria’s mining sector, citing its vast mineral deposits and growing strategic importance.
Speaking during a meeting with Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, and Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, at his office over the weekend, Alake described Nasarawa as a key mining hub for national development.
“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 engage with the governor and collaborate with him to scale up mining activities in the state,” Alake stated. He praised the strong cooperation received from both the governor and the Minister of Defence in fostering solid minerals development.
Highlighting the positive impact of ongoing reforms, Alake noted that the Federal Government’s efforts in the past 17 months have attracted increased global interest in Nigeria’s mining industry.
Security Challenges and the Need for Collaboration
Governor Abdullahi Sule commended Alake for driving President Bola Tinubu’s mining development agenda but acknowledged that security concerns remain a challenge in some mining areas.
“The purpose of this meeting is to work together and find solutions to security challenges, so that mining operations can go on unhindered,” the governor stated.
On his part, the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling insecurity, stating that military efforts have already led to the resumption of mining exploration activities in Zamfara.
The discussions signal a strategic push to enhance Nigeria’s mining industry, ensuring that states like Nasarawa can fully harness their mineral wealth while addressing security concerns.
