FG, NCDC collaborate to develop solid minerals sector in North Central

The Federal Government and the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) have strengthened collaboration to develop the solid minerals sector in the North Central region and boost job creation through mineral processing.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, disclosed this while receiving the management team of the commission, noting that the partnership is aimed at strengthening the sector and integrating more operators into the formal economy.

He revealed that over 300 small-scale and artisanal miners have been organised into cooperatives as part of efforts to curb illegal mining and improve regulation, while more than 300 illegal miners have been arrested, with about 150 currently facing prosecution.

Alake said the North Central region has benefitted from the ministry’s local value addition policy, with new mineral processing projects already underway to boost industrial development.

He added that the policy has helped the solid minerals sector contribute over $2 billion to the nation’s economy, as the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to promote economic diversification.

The minister stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the ministry and development commissions, describing the sector as critical to Nigeria’s broader economic growth.

“You have a very critical role to play and note that you are not doing it for the president or the government. You’re doing it for the Nigerian nation,” Alake said.

Earlier, the Managing Director of the NCDC, Cyril Tsenyil, said the visit was to seek areas of collaboration, with both parties agreeing to establish a technical working committee to drive progress.