The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, has pledged collaboration on mining development with Bauchi as it commended the state government for its commitment to developing the vast mineral resources.
Speaking while receiving the state’s delegation led by Governor Bala Mohammed on Friday, Alake 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.
In his remarks, Governor Mohammed congratulated Dr Alake on his appointment, asserting that he is a square peg in a square hole.
“We know your pedigree and your antecedents, how loyal you have served the President, and how professional you are.
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 added.
Highlighting the efforts of the state on mining development, the governor revealed that the state has revisited its solid minerals policy, now christened “natural resources policy,” which encapsulates the framework for partnership with the Federal Government.
“The 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 because it is your statutory responsibility under the constitution. We will be here to lend support as a sub-national,” the Bauchi governor said.
The governor, while noting the partnership of the ministry with Nasarawa State, which culminated in the establishment of lithium factories, made a case for similar support for Bauchi 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 up 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. We believe that such should be mutually beneficial to federating units and the FG,” Governor Mohammed asserted.
In his response, the Minister stated that the need for Nigeria to diversify the economy and the transition to clean energy by the global community necessitated the shift in focus to the 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 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.
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