Bauchi State government has reiterated its commitment to transforming the solid minerals sector to boost revenue generation, create jobs and enhance the security of mining communities across the state.
The state commissioner for Natural Resources Development, Hon. Mohammed Maiwada Bello, disclosed this during a live phone-in programme taggedL ‘Scorecard’, which was organised by the Ministry of Information and Communication in collaboration with the Ministry of Budget and Multilateral Coordination monitored by our correspondent. The initiative enabled government officials to present their achievements and get the citizens’ feedback.
Bello explained that the ministry had made significant progress from policy formulation to practical implementation within the last two years. He highlighted the recruitment and training of over 80 staff, the registration of more than 100 mineral vendors and tin operators, and reforms to prevent community and traditional leaders from issuing consent letters to prospective investors without clearance from the ministry.
He said this was to tackle illegal mining, ensure environmental protection, enhance revenue generation, and enforce compliance with standard procedures.
To formalise artisanal mineral activities, the ministry has commenced enumeration exercises, grouping informal miners and providing them with small- and medium-scale facilities to enable them to secure licences from the National Mining Cadastral Office.
Bello revealed that the ministry had secured a permanent headquarters and awarded contracts worth over N6 billion for the Kaura Mineral Processing and Buying Center and the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy (BOGAA) in Alkaleri. He added that the academy had been equipped with containerised equipment and operational vehicles.
The state government has also acquired over 10 mining licenses to attract investors through the Bauchi Mining Synergy and Exploration Limited (bamsel), some of which are already yielding results.
Bello further disclosed that the state signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Minsheng Group of Shandong Province, China, for a $50 million investment in mineral exploration in Toro and Dass LGAs. Similarly, Resident Cement Factory has committed $1.5 billion for a cement project in Gwana, Alkaleri LGA, with a 10 million metric tons production capacity, expected to generate 10,000 jobs alongside a housing estate and a 150MW power plant.
He also noted that a joint venture between BAMSEL and Prompt Workman Limited of India, valued at $5 million, had established Bauchi Vikas Resources Ltd, an international mineral trading centre in Bauchi, already employing 40 state indigenes.
The commissioner thanked the organisers and the state government for giving him the opportunity to serve and pledged his continued commitment to advancing Bauchi’s solid minerals sector.
