26th February, 2020

Gombe partners FG, stakeholders in mining sector to unlock solid minerals potentials

...as Governor Inuwa Yahaya declares open strategic roundtable on coal, metallic minerals in Gombe

Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has said that his administration is committed to partnering with operators and other stakeholders in the mining sector to unlock and tap the endowed mineral resources in Gombe in order to drive the economic diversification agenda of the state.

The Governor stated this while declaring open a 2-day strategic engagement workshop on coal, industrial and metallic minerals for North east geo-political zone, organized by Gombe state government in collaboration with the the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) under the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.

He described as apt, the objective of the workshop, which aims to educate stakeholders on how to key into opportunities and other benefits in the minerals sector as an alternative revenue earner which is in line with the shared objective of diversifying the economy through development of non oil sector.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, the Governor said, as a leading commercial hub in the northeast sub region, Gombe sits on over 50 solid minerals 6 of which are industrial minerals.

He noted that Gombe state is among the leading producers of gypsum, limestone and coal in the country, stating that the recent discovery of the hydrocarbon by NNPC has further cemented Gombe status as a minerals-rich state in Nigeria.

The Governor urged companies, investors and mining communities to work closely with the state Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and channel all minerals, mining and allied issues for proper guidance, regulatory compliance and documentation.

Earlier in her opening remarks, the Executive Secretary, Solid Minerals Development Fund, Hajiya Fatima Shinkafi, represented by the Director, Finance and Accounts, Prince Samuel Aromolaran said the rationale behind the workshop was to bring together experts and other stakeholders in the mining sector to cross fertilize ideas on mining operation, its economic impacts and health implication among others.

Delivering his goodwill message, the Commissioner, Ministry for Energy and Mineral Resources, Gombe State, Alhaji Shehu Ibrahim Madugu noted that it requires broad based collaboration with stakeholders playing their respective roles to the best of their abilities in that economic drive.

He urged participants to concentrate on mining issues for a better result at the end of the event with a view to developing ways of turning around the nation's untapped natural resources.

Ismaila Uba Misilli
Senior Special Assistant
( Media and Publicity)