Kogi State is making big moves to become a major player in Nigeria’s mining sector. The state government has successfully acquired 15 mining licenses, paving the way for significant industrial growth and economic diversification. This isn’t just about digging up minerals; it’s about building a sustainable future for the state and its people.
Here’s a quick rundown of what this means for Kogi State:
- 15 Mining Licenses: Covering key minerals like limestone, coal, tin, and iron ore.
- Economic Boost: Attracting private investment and creating job opportunities.
- Infrastructure Investment: Upgrading the Kogi State Mineral Processing Company.
- Sustainable Practices: Enacting laws to curb illegal mining and support local miners.
- Youth Empowerment: Training 25,000 young people in the mining value chain.
Kogi Stakes Its Claim: Mining Licenses Secured
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, speaking at the 2025 International Conference of the Nigerian Institution of Metallurgical, Mining and Materials Engineers, announced that Kogi State has secured 15 crucial mining licenses. These licenses cover a range of valuable minerals, including limestone, coal, tin, iron ore, and bauxite. This strategic move is designed to transform Kogi’s mining sector, making it a hub for private investment and industrial development.
Why This Matters: Economic Diversification
Nigeria has long relied on oil, but the mining sector presents a golden opportunity to diversify the economy. Governor Ododo emphasized that these licenses are “foundational to building a sustainable, job-creating mining industry.” By tapping into its mineral wealth, Kogi State aims to reduce its dependence on federal allocations and create a more resilient economy.
Investing in the Future: Infrastructure and Equipment
The Kogi State Government isn’t just acquiring licenses; they’re also putting money where their mouth is. The state-owned Kogi State Mineral Processing Company is receiving new equipment to boost efficiency and add value to the extracted minerals. This investment will ensure that Kogi can process its resources effectively and compete in the global market.
Cracking Down on Illegal Mining: Sustainable Practices
Illegal mining has been a persistent problem in Nigeria, leading to environmental degradation and loss of revenue. To combat this, Kogi State is working with the State Assembly to enact laws that curb illegal mining and promote sustainable practices. These reforms will also provide support for artisanal and small-scale miners, ensuring they can operate legally and responsibly.
Empowering the Youth: Training and Job Creation
One of the most exciting aspects of this initiative is the focus on youth empowerment. Kogi State has set a target of training and engaging 25,000 young people in the mining value chain. This includes investments in education, vocational training, and science and technology, particularly at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), which has introduced 11 new engineering programs aligned with the solid minerals sector.
Kogi: Nigeria’s Mineral Hotspot
Kogi State is strategically located and boasts over 30 mineral resources, along with major industrial facilities like the Ajaokuta Steel Complex and Itakpe Iron Ore Mines. Governor Ododo is urging both local and international investors to seize the opportunities presented by Kogi’s mineral wealth, contributing to Nigeria’s broader economic diversification agenda.
Federal Government Support: A National Priority
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has emphasized the importance of mining and metallurgy in Nigeria’s economic transformation. He sees the mining sector as a key pathway to diversify revenue, create jobs, and stimulate innovation, aligning with the Kogi State Government’s vision.
CUSTECH’s Role: Partnering for Progress
Professor AbdulRahman Asipita Salawu, Vice Chancellor of CUSTECH and Chairman of the Institution of Metallurgical, Mining and Materials Engineers, has praised the government’s support and pledged his institution’s continued partnership in sector development. This collaboration between academia and government is crucial for ensuring that Nigeria’s mining sector is driven by innovation and expertise.
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