The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated the production of salt and kaolin in the country, aiming to enhance local production for domestic use, export, and to generate employment opportunities for Nigerians.
To actualize this initiative, the Federal Ministry of Solid Mineral Development/Steel Development inaugurated a ten-man committee on Tuesday at its Head Office in Abuja.
The committee, aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda, is tasked with enhancing the local capacity for full-scale industrialization and promotion of salt and kaolin in Nigeria’s solid mineral sector.
During the inauguration, Dr. Mary Ogbe, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development/Steel Development, highlighted that the initiative to explore salt and kaolin aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The goal is to increase domestic use, boost exports, and create employment opportunities in line with the vision to develop and believe in the country.
“In order to change the narrative and kick start the development of our nation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with his Renewed Hope Agenda has challenged us to believe in our country and to develop it as we do not have another country,” stated Dr. Ogbe.
The Permanent Secretary emphasized the significance of developing the exploration, exploitation, and processing of salt and kaolin in Nigeria, highlighting its potential to provide jobs for Nigerians, conserve foreign exchange, and boost the economy.
The 10-man committee has been charged with determining the extent of deposits and locations of brine and rock salt and kaolin in Nigeria. Their terms of reference include evaluating the number and viability of licenses issued for the exploration and exploitation of these minerals.
Additionally, they are tasked with determining the cost of exploration of these sites and proposing ways to actualize the construction of salt and kaolin processing plants in Nigeria within a specified timeframe.
Dr. Ogbe set a deadline of on or before November 30, 2023, for the committee to submit its report, underscoring the urgency of the assignment.
Prof. Zachaeus Opafunsho, the Director-General/CEO of the Council for Mining Engineers and Geoscientists of Nigeria, will serve as the Chairman of the Committee, with Mrs. Salamatu Umar, Director of Special Duties Department in the Ministry, acting as the Secretary.
This initiative marks a strategic move by the government to harness the potential of the country’s mineral resources for economic development and sustainability.