The Kogi State Government has acquired 15 mining licenses to tap into the over 30 solid minerals found in the state.

A statement issued on Friday by the Information Commissioner, Kingsley Fanwo, stated that Governor Usman Ododo disclosed this on Wednesday at the 2025 International Conference of Nigerian Institution of Metallurgical, Mining and Materials Engineers held in Lokoja.

He said the government is working strategically to create a favourable atmosphere for both local and international investors to partner with the state for the transformation of the mining sector of the state

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Joel Oyibo, noted that the government is pleased with the organisers for selecting Kogi State for the event at a time that the nation is working assiduously to diversify the economy.

Ododo added that the theme of this conference, “Diversifying the Nigerian Economy through Metals and Solid Minerals Development,” is both timely and crucial as it gives opportunity to the state to reflect on the abundant solid minerals embedded in the state.

He said the government is working to fully transform the sector for the benefit not only of the local economy of Kogi State but the nation at large.

He said the state is proud to be at the heart of Nigeria’s mineral map and blessed with over thirty (30) strategic mineral resources – from iron ore, coal, and limestone to gold, marble, dolomite, and tantalite even as it host the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, Itakpe Iron Ore Mines, West African Ceramics, Obajana Cement Plant and Mangal Cement Plant among others.

“As the Governor of Kogi State, I am proud to report that my administration has taken deliberate steps and undertaken significant efforts to harness and develop the vast mineral resources that abound in our state for the economic prosperity of our people.

“We are fully committed to transforming Kogi into a leading mining hub in Nigeria and Africa, unlocking the value of our mineral wealth for the benefit of our people and the nation at large,” he said.

He disclosed that the state government has substantially invested in modernising the mining sector, procuring modern mining machinery for the Kogi State Mineral Processing Company, stressing that the initiative is designed to facilitate the processing of various minerals extracted from the state, thereby adding value to these resources and contributing to industrialisation.

He added, “By equipping the company, we are enhancing the efficiency of our mining operations and ensuring that we are aligned with global best practices in the mining industry.

“In addition to modernising our processing facilities, the state government has also acquired fifteen (15) mining licenses for strategic mineral deposits within Kogi State.

‘These licenses cover some of the most valuable and untapped resources, including limestone, coal, tin, iron ore, and bauxite. With these licenses, we are laying a strong foundation for sustainable mining operations that will create jobs, generate revenue, and contribute to the socio-economic development of our state”, he continued.

Ododo hinted that he is working in tandem with the State Assembly to enact laws to prohibit illegal mining, strengthen artisanal and small-scale mining, address environmental degradation, and ensure sustainable mining practices in the state.

”This effort of the state government includes targeting 25,000 youths for training and engagement in the mineral and mining sector. Thus, the state is positioning itself as a model for other Nigerian states in leveraging natural resources for economic development.

“My government recognises the critical role education plays in the growth and development of any society, and we have made tremendous strides in improving our educational infrastructure and system. In particular, we know that the mining and metallurgical sector, like all industries, depends heavily on human capital.

“That is why our administration has prioritised education at all levels, focusing on creating a workforce that is skilled, knowledgeable, and ready to contribute to the industries of the future, including mining and metallurgy. We have invested in upgrading schools, training teachers, and equipping our tertiary institutions to provide the necessary knowledge and practical skills required by the mining and engineering sectors.

“We have established eleven engineering programmes at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH). Some of these programmes, like mining engineering, materials and metallurgical engineering, etc., have direct bearings on minerals and mining. We have expanded and equipped our tertiary institutions with modern laboratories and workshops relevant to mining, materials science, and engineering”, he stated.

The government invested in technical and vocational education, ensuring our youth acquire the skills to participate meaningfully in industrial activities, including mining and mineral processing.

“Furthermore, we are working to strengthen the collaboration between our universities and the mining industry. This collaboration will ensure that we produce graduates who are both academically equipped and industry-ready to take on the challenges in the mining and metallurgy sectors. We are confident that these steps will position Kogi as a leader in the mining education space and, by extension, a critical player in Nigeria’s industrialisation,” Ododo reassured.

The governor, however, called on investors from within Nigeria and across the globe to come and invest in the abundant solid mineral resources that Kogi State offers to contribute meaningfully to the GDP of the country.

Earlier in his keynote address, the Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development, Dr Alake Oladele Henry, pointed out that as the global economy becomes increasingly knowledge-driven and technologically complex, it has become evident that our economic sustainability can no longer rely solely on hydrocarbons.

“The mining and metallurgical sectors offer Nigeria an exceptional pathway to diversify its revenue base, create jobs, stimulate industrial growth and drive innovation”, he said.

In a remark, the chairman of the Institution of Metallurgical Mining and Materials Engineers, Prof. AbdulRahman Asipita Salawu, urged investors to appreciate the incentives the state has created to bring in their investment to optimise the gift of nature in the state.

Salawu, who is also the Vice Chancellor, Custech Osara, appreciated the government for its support in hosting the conference and pledged his association’s commitment to partner with the state in the transformation of the sector. (The PUNCH)