FG, NCDC move to unlock north central mining wealth, create jobs

From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja

The Federal Government has partnered the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) to unlock the vast mining potential of the region, with a strong focus on job creation through mineral processing.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, disclosed this while receiving the NCDC management team in Abuja, noting that over 300 artisanal miners have been organised into cooperatives as part of efforts to curb illegal mining and integrate operators into the formal sector.

He revealed that more than 300 illegal miners have been arrested, while about 150 suspects, including foreigners, are currently facing prosecution.

Alake said the North Central region is already benefitting from the ministry’s local value addition policy, with new mineral processing projects taking off.

According to him, the policy has boosted mining contributions to over $2 billion, as the administration of President Bola Tinubu drives economic diversification.

He explained that the initiative promotes in-country processing of mineral resources to reduce raw exports, stimulate industrial growth, and create jobs.

The minister stressed the need for strong collaboration between the ministry and development commissions, assuring NCDC of full support in delivering its mandate.

“You have a critical role to play you are serving the Nigerian nation. Your contributions will be remembered,” Alake said, urging the commission to prioritise transparency and impact-driven projects.

Earlier, NCDC Managing Director, Dr. Cyril Tsenyil, said the visit aimed to explore collaboration areas, stressing that partnerships are key to sustainable development in the region.

He also proposed the establishment of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to drive mining sector development.

Both parties agreed to set up a technical working committee to advance the partnership.

The NCDC, established under the 2024 Act, is tasked with driving development across Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory.