In a move to boost economic development and attract investors, the Kogi State Government has acquired 15 mining licences to explore and harness the vast mineral resources within the state.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, represented by his deputy, Joel Oyibo, made this known during the 2025 International Conference of the Nigerian Institution of Metallurgical, Mining and Materials Engineers, held in Lokoja.
According to The PUNCH, the governor is poised to become a major hub for mining in Nigeria and across Africa.
“Kogi is strategically positioned at the heart of Nigeria’s mineral belt, blessed with over 30 solid minerals including iron ore, coal, limestone, gold, marble, dolomite, and tantalite,” Ododo said. “Our administration has deliberately invested in the mining sector to unlock its potential for the benefit of our people and the nation.”
He emphasized that the government is not only procuring modern mining machinery for the state-owned Mineral Processing Company but also working to establish policies that promote sustainable and environmentally friendly mining operations.
“By equipping our processing facilities, we are aligning with global best practices and ensuring our operations are efficient and value-driven,” he added.
The 15 newly acquired licences, the governor said, cover key mineral deposits such as limestone, coal, tin, iron ore, and bauxite—resources the state hopes to develop through strategic partnerships with both local and international investors.
Ododo noted that efforts are underway in collaboration with the State House of Assembly to enact laws aimed at curbing illegal mining and promoting responsible extraction practices. He also revealed that the government plans to train and engage 25,000 youths in the mining value chain.
“This is part of our broader goal to position Kogi as a model state in resource management and inclusive economic growth,” he explained.
Highlighting the critical role of education, Ododo stated that the government has strengthened technical and vocational training to build a workforce capable of supporting the mining industry.
“We have established 11 engineering programmes at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), including mining engineering and metallurgical engineering, to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals,” he said.
The governor called on investors to take advantage of the conducive environment being created in the state, saying: “We are open for business. Kogi is ready to welcome investors to explore its mineral wealth and contribute to Nigeria’s GDP.”
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Alake Oladele Henry, who delivered the keynote address, underscored the importance of diversifying the nation’s economy away from oil.
“The metallurgical and mining sectors offer Nigeria a pathway to economic sustainability, job creation, and industrial growth,” he remarked.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Institution of Metallurgical, Mining and Materials Engineers, Professor AbdulRahman Asipita Salawu, commended the state government for its commitment and urged stakeholders to seize the investment opportunities available in Kogi.
Salawu, who is also the Vice Chancellor of CUSTECH, pledged the institution’s continued collaboration with the government to drive innovation and development in the sector.
The state government reiterated its resolve to make mining a central pillar of its development strategy, positioning Kogi not only as a resource-rich state but also as a model for mining-led economic transformation in Nigeria.
