Kwara State Government Set to Establish Mineral Market
The Kwara State government has announced plans to establish a standard mineral market within the state as part of its strategy to diversify the economy and harness the potential of the solid mineral sector. Governor Abdulraman Abdulrazaq revealed this initiative during the National Council on Mining and Mineral Resources Development Meeting held in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Emphasising the importance of aligning the state’s economic agenda with the theme of the meeting, Governor Abdulrazaq highlighted the unrealistic nature of relying solely on oil and expressed the need to harness the state’s solid mineral resources.
The governor further disclosed that his administration had taken steps to register five Special Purpose Vehicles for the acquisition of viable mining sites and the maximisation of the state’s solid mineral potential. He also outlined plans to establish a standard mineral market within Kwara State, where all mined minerals would be registered before transport.
Governor Abdulrazaq called on the federal government to support the state’s vision of becoming a major solid mineral producing state in the country. He also invited potential investors to explore the abundant mineral resources present in Kwara State.
Minister of State for Steel Development, Mr Uba Maigari, echoed the governor’s sentiments, emphasising the importance of steel in modern infrastructure and calling for the revitalisation of the steel industry through technology, skills development, and a transparent regulatory environment to attract investment and drive sustainable growth in the sector.
Dr Mary Ogbe, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministries of Solid Minerals Development and Steel Development, commended the Kwara State Government for hosting the council meeting and assured attendees that the ministries would work towards the implementation of the recommendations adopted during the meeting. She mentioned the establishment of a technical committee to monitor and evaluate progress.
Overall, participants at the Council’s Meeting expressed optimism regarding the potential impact of the adopted recommendations on the economy. With the collaboration of both the state and federal government, as well as the commitment of stakeholders in the mineral and steel sector, there is hope for a thriving and diversified economy.
The news was reported by Rabi Momoh and edited by Adeniyi Bakare.
