- Governor Idris temporarily suspended mining activities in September 2023 to address regulatory challenges and security concerns.
- The state secured federal government concessions for greater state involvement and resumed mining activities under a more structured framework.
- The Ministry of Solid Mineral Development was established to oversee investor relations, regulatory enforcement, and exploration activities.
- The mining sector is expected to become a significant revenue generator for Kebbi State.
- Governor Idris’ leadership and vision are driving Kebbi’s industrial and economic growth.
- Kebbi State is poised to unlock its vast mineral resources and become a key player in Nigeria’s industrial development.
Kebbi State’s mineral wealth just got a significant boost with the discovery of five additional solid mineral deposits. This brings the total number of identified mineral resources in the state to over 30. The newly discovered deposits include Limestone in Jega, Iron Ore in Gwandu, Bauxite in Suru and Dandi, Coal in Birnin Kebbi, and Kaolin in Koko, Bagudo, Argungu, and Dandi .
These discoveries are expected to have significant economic potential for the state. Kebbi State is already known for its rich mineral resources, including Gold, Lithium, Copper, Zinc, Lead, Marble, Gypsum, Bentonite, Quartz, Fluorite, Tourmaline, Amethyst, and Manganese, among others .
The state’s mineral wealth is spread across various local government areas, making it a hub for mining activities. With these new discoveries, Kebbi State is poised to become a major player in Nigeria’s mining industry.
Kebbi State has made significant strides in harnessing its mineral wealth, with five new discoveries made under the administration of Governor Dr. Nasir Idris. These discoveries include limestone in Jega, iron ore in Gwandu, bauxite in Suru and Dandi, coal in Birnin Kebbi, and kaolin in Koko, Bagudo, Argungu, and Dandi.
This development is a crucial step towards economic diversification, as Governor Idris has taken decisive steps to revamp the mining sector, which had been neglected by previous administrations . The commissioner noted that despite Kebbi’s mineral-rich status, the absence of a dedicated mining commission had hindered exploration and development efforts since the state’s creation in 1991.
Kebbi State is rich in mineral resources, including gold, limestone, and marble. In fact, Nigeria as a whole is endowed with over 40 mineral resources, including crude oil, natural gas, and solid minerals like iron ore, tin, and limestone .
The governor’s proactive measures to position Kebbi as a key player in the solid minerals sector are expected to reduce the state’s dependence on oil revenue and promote economic growth.
Kebbi State is on the cusp of a new era of industrial and economic growth, driven by its mining sector. Governor Idris’ decision to temporarily suspend mining activities in September 2023 was a strategic move to address regulatory challenges and security concerns . This bold step paved the way for the state to secure federal government concessions, allowing for greater state involvement and a more structured framework for mining activities.
The establishment of the Ministry of Solid Mineral Development is a groundbreaking move, marking the first time such a ministry has been created in the state’s history . This ministry is tasked with overseeing investor relations, regulatory enforcement, and exploration activities, ensuring the sector reaches its full potential.
With Governor Idris at the helm, Kebbi is poised to unlock the vast mineral resources that have been lying dormant. The mining sector is expected to become a significant revenue generator, driving long-term economic sustainability and industrial development .
Kebbi’s mineral wealth is substantial, with deposits of gold, limestone, iron ore, and other valuable resources waiting to be tapped . The state’s strategic location and commitment to development make it an attractive destination for investment, particularly in the mining sector .
As Kebbi enters this new phase of growth, it’s clear that Governor Idris’ leadership and vision will play a crucial role in shaping the state’s future. With the mining sector set to drive economic growth, Kebbi is poised to become a key player in Nigeria’s industrial development.
