Dele Alake: Nasarawa is key to Nigeria’s mining growth, lithium reserves are massive

Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals development, has emphasised the significance of Nasarawa state in advancing the nation’s mining sector.

Alake spoke while receiving Abdullahi Sule, Nasarawa state governor, and Abubakar Badaru, minister of defence, in his office on Friday.

In a statement on Sunday, Segun Tomori, the minister’s special assistant on media, said Alake affirmed that Nasarawa has been a formidable partner in harnessing the state’s vast minerals potential for national development.

“Lithium, for instance, is quite massive in Nasarawa state,” Alake said.

“It is like an epicentre of mining in Nigeria, which is why it is important for us to always discuss with the governor and collaborate with him to scale up mining activities in the state.

“I have received very warm and robust cooperation from him and the minister of defence, all centered around the development of our solid minerals in Nigeria.”

The governor said the reforms and initiatives to boost the mining sector over the past 17 months are yielding results, as global investors are showing growing interest in Nigeria’s mining industry.

In his remarks, the Nasarawa state governor praised Alake for successfully advancing President Bola Tinubu’s mining development agenda.

Also, Sule noted that challenges like insecurity remain in some areas, underscoring the need for continued collaboration with Alake and the minister of defence.

“The purpose of this meeting is to work together and find solutions to security challenges, so that mining operations can go on, unhindered,” the governor said.

Sule added that lithium factories in the state are operating at full capacity, with more factories under construction, emphasising the need for continued collaboration with the private sector to enhance the state’s mining value chain.

Also speaking during the meeting, the minister of defence reaffirmed the federal government’s dedication to eliminating banditry and other criminal activities across the country, adding that ongoing efforts have already facilitated the resumption of mining exploration in Zamfara.

“The bandits are already on the run. The military will not rest until the country is fully secured,” he said.

“The President has given us a clear directive to end insecurity in all parts of the country by the end of the year.

Badaru said the national security adviser (NSA), the chief of defence staff, and his team are working round the clock to actualise the target.