FG, NCDC Partner To Unlock North Central Mining Potential

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

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

A statement by Lara Owoeye-Wise
Special Assistant Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development indicates that the Minister Mr Dele Alake disclosed this while receiving the management team of the North Central Development Commission, NCDC, led by Dr. Cyril Tsenyil in his office.

It adds, the minister also said 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 the North Central region has benefitted 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 value addition policy, mining is contributing more than $2 billion to the country’s economy as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu 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.

He assured that the President is focused on building enduring legacies, noting that the Commission stands as one of such lasting institutions.

Alake 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.

He 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.
The Managing Director, North Central Development Commission (NCDC), Dr. Cyril Tsenyil, said the visit was meant to seek areas of collaboration between the two institutions.

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