In recent times, the Yobe State Government organized a Stakeholders' Engagement Forum focused on the development of mineral resources, bringing together government representatives, business leaders, technical specialists, professional organizations, and investors to discuss approaches for utilizing the state's mineral riches.
Nigeria is often viewed as a single-source economy, and the risks associated with depending on one economic pillar have led experts, analysts, and key players to emphasize the importance of expanding the economic base in order to secure a stable and long-term economic outlook.
Regarding sub-national entities, it is commonly stated that there is no more suitable moment than the present to investigate additional income sources in order to address increasing needs.
This is the reason Yobe recently organized a conference to take advantage of the rich mineral resources in the state.
The conference, held under the theme "Building Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Mining and Industrial Growth in Yobe State," aimed to transform reserves of limestone, gypsum, kaolin, granite, quartz, silica, trona, and diatomite into prospects for employment generation, investment attraction, and industrial progress.
During his speech, Governor Mai Mala Buni pointed out the unused value of the state's mineral resources, stating, 'For many years, these natural blessings have been mostly overlooked. It's time to transform these hidden opportunities into valuable assets that will produce employment, create income, and promote the socio-economic growth of our population.' He presented the government's main goals, focusing on ensuring policies match federal rules, involving investors, protecting the environment, and encouraging local involvement. The governor emphasized the importance of a clear and responsible system to make sure mining operations benefit both investors and nearby residents.
Governor Buni further mentioned that sustainable mining could serve as a key factor in enhancing economic stability, creating job opportunities for young people, and expanding the state's revenue sources. 'This gathering is not merely another meeting; it represents a deliberate coming together of ideas and objectives,' he stated. He urged all involved parties to cooperate effectively, making sure that mining activities comply with safety protocols, environmental laws, and social duties while drawing in trustworthy investors.
The Director General of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), Professor Olusegun Omoniyi stated, 'Yobe State, blessed with a wealth of industrial minerals including gypsum, limestone, kaolin, and potash, has significant potential for economic diversification, employment generation, and poverty alleviation.'
Nevertheless, achieving this potential depends on the collaborative effort of all involved parties—government, investors, local communities, and technical organizations such as ours.
Technical proficiency was also highlighted. Professor Olusegun Omoniyi Ige, Director-General of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), stressed the significance of geoscientific data in drawing in investments.
"Precise mapping and mineral evaluations help minimize exploration risks and offer assurance for investment. Yobe holds significant potential, but achieving it needs cooperation among the government, investors, local communities, and technical organizations," he stated.
Engineer M.A.K. Abubakar, the Chairman of the Yobe Mining Development Company Limited (YMDCL), referred to the company as the government's tool for managing mineral exploration and development throughout the state. 'YMDCL was established to promote transparency, responsibility, and tangible outcomes.'
"Our objective is to transform Yobe's mineral resources into tangible economic advantages for the residents," he stated, noting that the company would act as a comprehensive center for investors and stakeholders within the mining industry. Abubakar praised the governor's direction in focusing on locally driven economic development rather than relying on federal funding, and emphasized the significance of forming collaborations with private investors, traditional leaders, and local communities.
The event also demonstrated the contribution of professional organizations in advancing sustainable mining practices. Ms. Rose Chundung Ndong, President of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), emphasized the significance of educating geoscientists, engineers, and small-scale miners, encouraging value enhancement, and making sure that local populations gain from mining activities. She stated, 'No one organization can realize sustainable mining development on its own. It necessitates a partnership among government, the private sector, and professional groups.'
Hon. Kaigama Umar Yunusari, the head of Commerce, Trade, Investment, Tourism, and Solid Minerals, emphasized the government's dedication to developing a mining industry that is both socially inclusive and appealing to investors.
He observed that establishing an economy based on minerals necessitated harmonizing state strategies with national policies, enhancing technical expertise, and encouraging local processing sectors.
Across the forum, conversations included topics such as mineral mapping, policy coordination, investor motivations, community participation, environmental protections, and adherence to regulations. Participants highlighted the significance of evidence-based choices, strengthening capabilities, and collaborative efforts among government bodies, development collaborators, investors, and local communities.
Governor Buni ended the forum by emphasizing the state's preparedness to develop its mining industry. 'This gathering represents our shared commitment to transition from potential to productivity, from resources to revenue, and from promise to performance,' he stated.
Under the coordination of YMDCL, technical assistance from NGSA, and expert advice from NMGS, Yobe State is building a foundation for a mining industry that is open, long-lasting, and accessible, with the potential to create jobs, draw in investments, and boost industrial development throughout the area.
In the meantime, the government entered into a memorandum of understanding and collaboration with the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency along with four local and global investors to promote exploration and enhance the value of the state's mineral resources.
Four investors — GeoScan Technology Limited, Revolve Mining Company, Deep Strata, and Minepro and Energy — have entered into an agreement with the state government regarding sustainable mining and industrial development in Yobe.
The head of the Yobe Mining Development Company, Engr. Bamodu Yerima, signed the MUOs on behalf of the state government during the Stakeholders Forum.
Shortly after the MOUs, Governor Mai Mala Buni of the state mentioned that Yobe is abundant in mineral resources including limestone, gypsum, trona, diatomite, kaolin, phosphate, granite, silica, and various other unexploited resources.
He mentioned that the state government has focused on industrialization and resource efficiency as key elements for sustainable development, converting its mineral resources into profitable businesses.
The Governor stated that the Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between the state government and investors aimed to broaden the state's economy, generate employment opportunities, and draw in reliable investors to harness the potential of Yobe's land and mineral resources.
It's time to transform these latent abilities into valuable resources that will produce employment, generate income, and promote the economic and social progress of Yobe state.
When the mineral resources are effectively managed, Yobe can emerge as a key contributor to the solid minerals sector, create employment opportunities for our growing youth population, and enhance our internally generated revenue.
In a statement, one of the investors, Ulrich Eichhorn, the Founder/CEO of Geoscan Technology Limited, mentioned that the company has collaborated with the Yobe government to investigate the state's solid mineral resources.
He mentioned that the collaboration seeks to promote the exploration of solid minerals, along with the responsible utilization of income.
The statement released following the conference highlighted that the natural resources in Yobe State hold immense potential, and converting this resource base into actual progress would require data-focused exploration, building of infrastructure, along with the development of human resources and local participation.
Although there are established commercial deposits of metallic minerals (such as iron ore, bauxite, and chalcopyrite), non-metallic minerals (including gypsum, trona, and limestone), and energy minerals (like uranium, coal, and crude oil), large-scale mining in Yobe State is currently restricted, and numerous minerals remain unexplored, indicating the necessity for comprehensive exploration studies conducted by skilled professionals.
Yobe State stands at a crucial moment in its economic development efforts, and the significant opportunities that have emerged for both local and international investors must be effectively promoted and shared via specialized platforms to shape the story.
Communities and traditional institutions must remain active collaborators with the government to ensure that mining supports inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable development.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).