Nigerian Export Promotion Council NEPC in partnership with the Kaduna Mining Development Company (KMDC) convened a strategic stakeholder engagement to advance the solid minerals sector in Nigeria.
The meeting brought together government officials, investors, regulators, and miners to explore ways of boosting solid minerals for export and economic growth.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of KMDC Engr. Shuaibu Kabiru Bello highlighted the need to formalize artisanal mining activities through clustering and aggregation.
“This initiative not only boosts productivity,” he said, “but also ensures accurate data collection, improves safety, and enhances access to markets.”
Engr. Shuaibu Kabiru Bello called for collective action from stakeholders to unlock value in the sector and drive sustainable development.
Representing the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, the Commissioner for Business, Innovation, and Technology, Mrs. Patience Fakai, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to economic diversification through mining.
“Our state is rich in minerals like gold, tin, lithium, and gemstones,” she said. “With the right structures, we can become a leading player in the solid minerals value chain.”
She noted that Kaduna has created an investor-friendly environment and streamlined regulatory processes to support growth in the sector.
“Clustering and aggregation are not just concepts,” she said. “They are proven methods to reduce costs and open up global markets.”
In his closing remarks, KMDC’s Director of Operations, Usman Ibrahim Tabari, emphasized the importance of turning dialogue into action.
“We must build on today’s momentum,” he said. “The formalization of artisanal miners remains central to achieving a resilient and competitive mining sector.”
Tabari encouraged all participants to continue collaborating beyond the event.
The engagement reinforced NEPC’s agenda to grow non-oil exports and laid a strong foundation for coordinated action in harnessing Nigeria’s mineral potential.
Cov/Adamu Yusuf
