Report by AMINU DALHATU; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), in collaboration with the Zamfara State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, has organized a one-day stakeholders’ forum on solid minerals aimed at sensitizing participants on strategies to accelerate economic growth through non-oil sectors.
Speaking at the event, the Zamfara State Coordinator of NEPC, Mr. Yusuf Ismaila Ahmad, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to positioning Zamfara as a hub for Nigerian non-oil products, particularly in the solid minerals sector.
He revealed that NEPC is providing grants to registered stakeholders as part of its efforts to support economic diversification through export development.
“This initiative represents a renewed commitment to unlocking Zamfara’s mineral potential, fostering job creation, and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s broader economic diversification agenda,” he stated.
According to him, the theme for the forum is ” Toward the Development of the Solid Minerals Sector for poverty Alleviation, Job creation and value addition.
Earlier, the Zamfara State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Alhaji Kasimu Sani Kaura, emphasized the need for effective regulation and monitoring of the mining sector to curb illegal activities and ensure sustainable development.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Rilwanu Musa Zurmi, the Commissioner pledged the Ministry’s full collaboration with NEPC to enhance the solid minerals value chain in the state.
He noted that the partnership would help improve production capacity and quality to meet international standards, while also boosting the state’s export potential.
“The benefits of this collaboration will extend to value-added production, increased revenue generation, job creation, and wider employment opportunities for the people of Zamfara,” he added.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Solid Minerals Development Agency, Nasiru Alhassan Bamanga, urged artisanal miners to formalize their operations by registering with the appropriate authorities and working in alignment with government regulations.
In his remarks, the Director of Natural Resources, Mr. Sanusi Maharazu Badarawa, said the partnership between the Ministry and NEPC holds great promise for strengthening the state’s mining sector and increasing its economic contribution.
He stressed the importance of responsible and sustainable practices in mineral exploitation, highlighting that collaboration is key to unlocking the full potential of Zamfara’s mineral wealth.
