Yobe Govt to Unlock Solid Minerals Sector for Economic Growth

By JIBRIL MOHAMMED NABIL, Damaturu

Yobe State government has held a reconciliation meeting and stakeholders engagement with the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).

The event took place at the WAWA Hall, Government House, Damaturu, which represents a pivotal step in the industry audit cycle.

The tripartite model of the meeting brought together key stakeholders in the extractive industry, government agencies, extractive companies, civil society organisations and traditional institutions.

Opening the meeting, Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni, said the theme of the meeting, “Unlocking Nigeria’s Solid Mineral Potential for Economic Diversification,” was apt and timely.

Represented by his deputy, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana, the governor explained that the theme came at a time when the nation was intensifying efforts to broaden the economy’s base.

He noted that the solid mineral sector offers a credible pathway to industrial growth, employment opportunities, sub-national development and sustainable prosperity.

He stated that Yobe State is blessed with solid mineral resources that, if responsibly developed, can contribute meaningfully to economic transformation.

In a remark, the Executive Secretary and CEO of NEITI, Alhaji Musa Sarki Adar, reaffirmed NEITI’s dedication, noting that its goal is to ensure that Nigeria’s vast mineral wealth translates into tangible benefits for its citizens.

He called on the Yobe State Government to collaborate with NEITI to ensure proper transparency and appropriate utilisation of its resources.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner of Commerce, Kaigama Umar, represented by the Director of Mining Development Engineer Bamodu Yarima, said the Yobe State Government has taken deliberate steps to unlock its available resources through structured, transparent, and investor-friendly mechanisms.

Kaigama Umar highlighted that the establishment of the Yobe Mining Development Company Limited as a special purpose vehicle underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring proper coordination, data management, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable investment in the mining sector.