By Faridat Salifu
Kebbi State is set for an economic renaissance with the recent discovery of five new mineral deposits, bringing the total identified resources to over 30.
This announcement, made by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Ahmed-BK, highlights the growing significance of the mining sector in the state’s economic diversification efforts.
The new deposits include Limestone in Jega, Iron Ore in Gwandu, Bauxite in Suru and Dandi, Coal in Birnin Kebbi, and Kaolin in Koko, Bagudo, Argungu, and Dandi.
These additions complement existing minerals like Gold, Lithium, Copper, and others spread across various local government areas, reinforcing Kebbi’s status as a mineral-rich region.
Commissioner Ahmed-BK noted that these discoveries are part of a broader strategy under Governor Dr. Nasir Idris, who has made the revitalization of the mining sector a key priority since taking office in 2023.
“Governor Idris’s administration is committed to unlocking the state’s mineral wealth, which has been underutilized for years,” he stated.
Historically, Kebbi’s potential in the solid minerals sector was hampered by the lack of a dedicated mining commission and the overwhelming focus on oil revenue.
Ahmed-BK pointed out that past administrations failed to recognize the importance of diversifying the economy. In response, Governor Idris has implemented significant reforms to reposition Kebbi as a leader in mineral exploration and extraction.
In a move to regulate the sector and tackle illegal mining, the governor temporarily suspended mining activities in September 2023.
This action allowed the state to establish a more structured framework for mining operations and secure federal government concessions for enhanced state involvement.
A landmark development was the establishment of the Ministry of Solid Mineral Development, the first of its kind in Kebbi.
This ministry is now tasked with overseeing investor relations, enforcing regulations, and facilitating exploration activities to maximize the state’s mineral resources.
The renewed interest in mining has attracted several companies to Kebbi, with more than ten additional firms awaiting licensing to operate.
Ahmed-BK expressed optimism about the future, stating that Kebbi is entering a transformative phase of industrial and economic growth driven by its solid minerals sector.
