Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo says his administration has obtained 15 mining licenses to boost the internally generated revenue of ths state and create employment opportunities for the people.
Ododo announced the diversification of the state economy into mining on Friday in Lokoja while unveiling the new mining equipment acquired by the state government.
He said the purchase of the equipment and acquisition of licenses will officially launch Kogi into the league of states taking advantage of solid minerals development in the area.
The governor said it will also marked the beginning of a new phase in the state’s economic transformation.
“We are ready to harness the full potential of our natural resources.
“Kogi will no longer wait for federal allocations but will take its future into its own hands through this mining initiative,” he said.
He further assured that the 15 mining licenses will boost the state’s solid minerals development sector.
According to him, Kogi State is blessed with vast mineral deposits, including gold, lithium, limestone, coal among other 28 solid minerals that have been found in large commercial deposits in different parts of the state.
He said : “This is a strategic move to harness our natural resources and reduce our reliance on federal allocations.
“The 15 licenses secured will allow Kogi to begin large-scale exploration and mining, ensuring sustainable economic growth.”
He further emphasized that the state is committed to creating job opportunities and improving the livelihoods of its people through mining, noting that the equipment will facilitate the efficient extraction of resources.
The governor reaffirmed that Kogi State is poised to become a key player in Nigeria’s mining industry.
He added that the state is committed to tapping into the full potential of its natural resources and has chosen to shape its own future through the mining initiative to boost internally generated revenue rather than relying on federal allocations.
In his remarks, the commissioner for Solid Mineral and Natural Resources, Engr. Bashiru Gegu, shared the state’s vision for the mining sector, describing it as a key revenue-generating sector.
He outlined the need for robust policies, equipment, and mining licenses to effectively tap into the solid minerals development sector.
“Being a major player in the mining sector requires equipment, laws, and policies. We are prepared to meet these requirements,” he stated.
The Commissioner confirmed that the Kogi State government, through the Kogi State Solid Mineral Processing Company Limited had already secured 15 mining licenses, a step he noted will allow the state to begin solid mineral exploration immediately.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
