Nasarawa State is preparing to host the 6th National Council on Mining and Mineral Development, marking a significant step for Nigeria’s mining sector. The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, made this announcement during a courtesy visit to Governor Abdullahi Sule in Lafia.
Key Highlights:
– **Purpose of Visit**: The minister expressed appreciation for Nasarawa’s commitment to hosting the summit, which highlights the state’s contributions to mining development.
– **Historical Context**: The 4th edition was meant to be held in Nasarawa but was deferred due to COVID-19.
– **Economic Importance**: Governor Sule remarked on the summit’s potential to enhance stakeholder engagement, peace, security, and economic empowerment in the region, emphasising the need to diversify Nigeria’s revenue sources.
– **Recent Developments**: Sule thanked the minister for the 1.5 C O allocation which is expected to boost immediate production and enhance partnerships between state governments and local communities.
– **Minister’s Endorsement**: The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Yakubu Kwanta, acknowledged the minister’s support for Nasarawa as a key player in solid mineral management.
This event underscores Nasarawa’s prominent role in Nigeria’s mining sector and the government’s efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil.