Federal Government partners with North Central Development Commission to transform North Central into mining hub

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, has partnered with the North Central Development Commission to develop the North Central region's mineral potential and create jobs through local processing. This collaboration supports President Bola Tinubu's economic diversification agenda, focusing on value addition and formalizing mining activities. Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, stated that over 300 artisanal and small-scale miners have been organized into cooperatives to curb illegal mining and improve productivity. Enforcement actions have led to the arrest and prosecution of hundreds of illegal miners, including foreign nationals. The North Central region is benefiting from the Federal Government's local value addition policy, with new mineral processing projects underway, contributing over $2 billion to the Nigerian economy. The Minister emphasized the importance of building lasting institutions and sustainable economic structures, urging the Commission's leadership to prioritize national development. Managing Director of the Commission, Cyril Tsenyil, highlighted the region's vast mineral deposits and proposed a Special Purpose Vehicle to attract investment. Both institutions agreed to form a joint technical working committee to implement initiatives. The North Central Development Commission, established under the North Central Development Commission Establishment Act, 2024, aims to address infrastructure deficits and pr