The Nasarawa State Government has announced the acquisition of licences to mine gold, tin, and lithium in the state, according to Governor Abdullahi Sule. The Governor revealed this development during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake. He stated that the mining venture would be executed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to enhance efficiency, acknowledging the challenges often associated with government establishments in managing such business ventures.
In a statement by Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant on Media to Dr. Dele Alake, the Governor expressed his appreciation to the Minister, highlighting the recent acquisition of three licenses in Nasarawa State. The licenses cover areas with potential deposits of gold, lithium, and tin, promising a significant boost to the state’s mining sector.
Governor Sule, who hails from the private sector, emphasized the need for efficient management in the mining sector and the advantages of engaging in PPP arrangements. He stated, “I come from the private sector, and I understand how the public sector doesn’t become so efficient in the management of this kind of venture. So, we have PPP arrangements. Which implies we are going to have partners, and we have some level of equity participation that will ensure the state gets maximum benefits.”
While the Governor did not specify when the licences were obtained, the move signifies Nasarawa State’s commitment to leveraging its mineral resources for economic development. The PPP model is expected to bring in private partners to collaborate with the government, ensuring effective management, optimal extraction of resources, and maximizing the economic benefits for the state.
Governor Sule praised Minister Dele Alake for his leadership in rejuvenating the mining sector, acknowledging the importance of strategic partnerships and efficient management to unlock the full potential of the state’s mineral wealth. As Nasarawa State ventures into these mining projects, stakeholders will be keenly observing the outcomes, anticipating positive impacts on the state’s economy and the mining sector’s overall resurgence.
