Kaduna Calls for Collaboration to Harness Solid Minerals for Export

The Kaduna State Government has called on solid mineral mining experts and officials of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) to support efforts in exploring the state’s vast mineral resources to boost foreign exchange earnings. Governor Uba Sani made the appeal on Tuesday in Kaduna at the opening of a strategic meeting focused on establishing […]

The Kaduna State Government has called on solid mineral mining experts and officials of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) to support efforts in exploring the state’s vast mineral resources to boost foreign exchange earnings.

Governor Uba Sani made the appeal on Tuesday in Kaduna at the opening of a strategic meeting focused on establishing solid minerals clusters to enhance export competitiveness. Represented by the Commissioner for Business, Innovation, and Technology, Patience Fakai, the governor reaffirmed the administration’s “unwavering commitment to the development of our solid minerals sector and the broader vision of economic diversification for national growth.”

He commended both the NEPC and the Kaduna Mining Development Company for organizing what he described as a timely and crucial engagement. “Your efforts to bring together miners, processors, exporters, investors, and regulators underscore the collaborative spirit needed to unlock the vast potential of our solid minerals sector,” he said.

Governor Sani noted that Kaduna State is richly endowed with solid minerals such as gold, tin, lithium, and gemstones. “If harnessed strategically, these resources can serve as a cornerstone for sustainable development, job creation, and enhanced export competitiveness,” he added.

He emphasized that the focus on establishing aggregation centers and mineral processing hubs aligns with his administration’s agenda to position Kaduna as a major player in the solid minerals value chain. “Aggregation and clustering are not just industry buzzwords; they are proven strategies to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve market access. These centers will help address fragmentation in the sector, promote value addition, and position Kaduna as a reliable supplier of high-quality mineral products to global markets,” he said.

The governor also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the mining sector. He cited ongoing policy reforms aimed at streamlining licensing processes, improving infrastructure, and fostering public-private partnerships.

“However, government cannot achieve these goals alone. We need the active participation of all stakeholders—miners, investors, processors, and regulators—to turn our mineral wealth into shared prosperity,” he stressed.

In his message to investors, both local and international, the governor said Kaduna offers not only abundant mineral deposits but also a stable and investor-friendly climate. “To our miners and processors: we urge you to adopt modern techniques and sustainable practices that meet global standards. And to our regulatory agencies: we count on your support to ensure compliance and fairness in the sector,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, NEPC Executive Director, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, acknowledged Kaduna’s rich mineral endowments but pointed out that the sector faces several hurdles. “Despite the immense potential, the sector is grappling with numerous challenges including informal mining activities, lack of funding, outdated mining technology, poor quality standards, insufficient geological data, and inadequate capacity building,” she said.

Ayeni called for concerted efforts among stakeholders to address these gaps and unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector for sustainable economic growth.