The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has teamed up with the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) to unlock the region’s vast mining potential and increase jobs through mineral processing.

Receiving the management team of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC)in his office, the
Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, disclosed that more than 300 small-scale and artisanal miners have been organised into cooperatives, as part of ongoing persuasive efforts to steer them away from illegal mining and integrate them into the formal sector.

According to him, the Bola Tinubu administration has so far arrested over 300 illegal miners, while about 150, including foreigners, are currently undergoing prosecution.

He further disclosed that the North Central region has benefited immensely from the ministry’s local value addition policy, as new mineral processing projects have taken off in the region.

According to the minister, through the value addition policy, mining is contributing more than $2 billion to the country’s economy as the current administration continues to develop the regenerative sectors of the economy.

He explained that the policy is designed to encourage in-country processing and beneficiation of mineral resources, thereby reducing raw material exportation while boosting industrial growth, job creation, and overall economic diversification.

Alake asserted that the President is focused on building enduring legacies, noting that the commission stands as one of such lasting institutions.

He further highlighted the need for a robust working relationship between the ministry and other development commissions, stressing the critical role of the solid minerals sector in driving broader economic growth.

The minister assured the commission of the ministry’s total support in delivering on its mandate, while urging its leadership to prioritise strategic collaboration, transparency and effective project execution to maximise impact across the region.

Earlier, the Managing Director of NCDC, Dr Cyril Tsenyil, said the visit was to seek areas of collaboration between the two institutions.

He noted that such partnerships are essential for aligning their efforts, leveraging shared resources, and driving sustainable development initiatives across the North Central region.

While highlighting the zone’s rich mineral deposits, the MD proposed the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to
drive development in the sub-sector.

The meeting concluded with a commitment by both institutions to establish a technical working committee to drive progress.