CHAPTER THIRTEEN

SOLID MINERALS DEVELOPMENT IN KOGI STATE

There is no gainsaying the fact that Kogi State is more blessed in solid minerals endowment than any other state in Nigeria. Over twenty (20) different types of solid minerals out of thirty four (34) solid minerals identified nationwide abound in the state. His Excellency, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris in his magnanimity towards the development of the solid minerals resources of the state has provided necessary supports for the running and up-keep of the ministry. The on-going activities in the ministry includes:

(a)       The revalidation of the Kogi State Minerals Processing Company Limited with Federal Ministry of Solid minerals Development in line with new mining policy and reform to up date the acquisition of the seven mineral sites in the three senatorial district of the state.

(b)       Collection of haulage fees from commercial truck operators: carrying such materials as laterite, gravel, sand and Granite. About six Million Naira is targeted to be generated annually.

(c)       The Ministry is working in collaboration with the revenue consultant for the collection of royalty  from mining operators within the state. Over fifty Million Naira is expected to be realized annually from this venture.

(d)       A proposed solid Minerals Edict empowering the state Government to generate revenue from the Solid Minerals Sector has been submitted to the Kogi State House of Assembly for passage.

(e)       The Ministry has reproduced a pamphlet titled “Kogi State Solid Minerals Investment Prospects” to promote the solid Minerals potential of the state to the outside world.

It is important to note that Kogi State  Government has been providing an enabling environment for Mining Investors to partake in the exploration of the abundant Solid Minerals Resources in the state with a view to attracting investors to the Solid Minerals sector of the state Economy. Thus, the State Government is expecting a private sector led development of the State’s Solid Minerals Sector.

The Kogi State Government in Partnership with the Northern Nigeria Development Company is establishing a Multimillion Naira Hydrated Line Processing Company in the State.