FG, Zamfara Must Collaborate on Solid Minerals Exploitation – Minister

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Federal Government and Zamfara State to responsibly harness the state’s vast solid mineral resources. This aligns with the Tinubu administration’s focus on boosting the non-oil sector to diversify the economy.

Alake made this statement on Friday during a courtesy visit from Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, to the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. A press release signed by Alake’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, outlined the meeting’s discussions.

Alake highlighted the crucial role states play in the solid minerals sector, stressing that any barriers hindering efficient operations in the sector must be swiftly addressed. He stated: “Zamfara is one of Nigeria’s most resource-rich states, particularly in solid minerals. All levels of government must work together to ensure these resources are responsibly exploited, and the resulting revenue benefits both the citizens of Zamfara and the entire nation.”

Governor Lawal echoed these sentiments, stating that the discussions also focused on security challenges and the need to enhance infrastructure to fully capitalize on the state’s mineral wealth. “We discussed security concerns and strategies to better utilize our mineral resources for the benefit of both Zamfara and the nation. There is an urgent need to develop the necessary infrastructure to attract investors into the solid minerals sector,” Lawal said.

The statement further noted that the federal government has recently taken significant steps to improve the mining environment in Zamfara, including the elimination of key bandit leaders and the launch of ongoing security operations aimed at fostering a safer investment climate.