Abuja: The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has expressed the ministry’s support for the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) in its pursuit of developing the mineral resources in the region. This commitment was made during a courtesy visit to the ministry by a delegation from the SSDC, led by Director-General Ms. Usoro Offiong Akpabio.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the meeting’s statement was shared with journalists by Alake’s Special Assistant on Media, Mrs. Lara Owoeye-Wise. Alake highlighted the importance of this engagement in aligning with the Federal Government’s agenda to enhance development across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. He emphasized that the South-South region’s significant solid mineral deposits position it strategically in the nation’s economic diversification efforts, beyond its well-known oil and gas reserves.
The Minister shared insights into ongoing reforms within the ministry aimed at making the solid minerals sector a key player in industrialization. These reforms focus on local value addition, responsible mining, investment promotion, and stronger regulation. Alake noted that these efforts have led to increased revenue for the Federal Government and attracted over $2.6 billion in foreign direct investment, while also fostering the establishment of mineral processing facilities that provide employment opportunities nationwide.
Alake encouraged South-South states to utilize the Federal Government’s framework for state participation in mining through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and to obtain mining titles through authorized channels. He warned against states implementing unilateral mining policies, stressing the importance of regulatory consistency to enhance investor confidence and avoid overlapping authorities.
The Minister reassured the SSDC delegation of the ministry’s commitment to involving the commission in initiatives that highlight regional mineral opportunities, thereby boosting investment. In response, Ms. Akpabio expressed the SSDC’s interest in partnering with the ministry on sustainable mining, environmental innovation, investment, and job creation. She emphasized the commission’s intention to align its activities with ministry policies and collaborate with state authorities, especially in training and formalizing artisanal miners.
The discussions also highlighted the need for regional stakeholder and investment engagements to connect investors with specific mineral projects in the South-South region. This collaboration is part of a broader effort by the Tinubu administration to link Nigeria’s mineral resources with regional development initiatives, aiming to drive investment, industrialization, employment, and sustainable development across all geopolitical zones.