Economy

Mining Has Potential To Transform The Nations Economy – Ogah

Published

3 years ago

February 18, 2022

The Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah has revealed that the enormous and abundant mineral resources spread across every part of the country, especially in Edo State, has potentials to transform the nation’s economy, develope infrastructure and grow the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country.

He stated this when he paid a courtesy call on the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki on Thursday, 17th February, 2022 during a 3-day working visit to the State.

Dr. Ogah disclosed that the purpose of the 3-Day working visit to the State was critical and strategic in the development of the solid mineral sector as the state has many untapped minerals which, when properly harnessed will gavanize it to achieving its “30-year Development Roadmap” in the areas of “Human Capital Development and the vision of Edo State outside oil revenues; Educational transformation through Edo – BEST and Health Improvement Programme; Improved Service Delivery Systems, Tax and Revenue Collection reforms and Economic transformation initiatives through modern agriculture and industrialization of the State.

The Minister solicited the support and cooperation of the State Government in accelerating the development of the huge commercial deposits of major minerals like Limestone, Talc, Dolomite, Gypsum, Feldspar, Quartz, Gold, Gemstones, Bentonite, Bitumen, Sharp Sand, Kaolin, Granite etc and other solid mineral resources in abundance in the State. He noted that the state could rank as number 2 mining state in the country.

Dr. Ogah said the collaboration would increase revenue generation, promote sustainable growth of the minerals sector, creat employment opportunities for nation’s teeming unemployed youths as well as provide
economic empowerment for host mining communities, which would lead to reduction in poverty level of rural communities.

He noted that the present level of mining operations in the State could be doubled through mutual collaboration and cooperation between the Federal, State, Local Government and mining investors in the state. He therefore, urged the Governor to ensure that the new partnership between the Ministry and Edo State Government is sustained to promote sustainable development of mineral resources in Edo State.

In his remarks, the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki, stated that the visit couldn’t have come at a better time as the state is fully committed towards diversification. He said “Edo is a blessed naturally endowed state and we have taken our destiny in our hands to diversify, focusing on solid minerals”.

Governor Obaseki assured of the State’s readiness to collaborate on the development of the mineral sector in the state and implored the State be used a a model for Federal Government’s collaboration and coordination bid for the optimazation of revenue generation in the sector, adding that “Edo is willing to start afresh to get it right”.

In the same vain, Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah at a Stakeholders meeting held at the Edo State banquet hall, commended the operators for investing in the mining industry despite its high risks and creating job opportunities for many Nigerians. He however condemned in very strong terms the use of under-aged miners, saying, “under-aged miners are not allowed. Report under-aged and illegal miners to security agencies”.

Dr. Ogah, intimated the operators of government’s policy focus and enjoined them to make honest declaration of their monthly mineral production and pay correct amount of royalties due to the Federal Government. He encouraged operators to keep close contact with the Federal Mines Officers in the state and always seek clarification on any matter they are not clear from them.

Speaking, Edo State Commissioner, Ministry of Mining, Oil and Gas, Ethan Uzamere noted that the development of the mineral sector would bring strong economic benefits and peaceful coexistence to the people of Edo state. He disclosed that the State was planning a workshop for miners where all issues regarding challenges would be addressed.

The Chairman, Edo State Miners Association of Nigeria, Engr. Mike Okhumode, while enumerating the myriads of challenges they face in carrying out their daily operations, appealed to the Federal Government to extend the same intervention given to the agricultural sector to them.

Also, an operator and Coordinator of the State’s Women in Mining, Mrs. Uche Idodo, while reiterating the dangers of under-aged miners, called on the Federal government to come to their aid in the matter of double taxation.

Economy

FGN Poised To Dismantle Kidnap Economy – General Laka

Published

2 weeks ago

July 30, 2025

Our Reporter

From Lateef Taiwo

The Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), Major General Adamu Laka, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) to ending kidnap economy in the country.

General Laka stated this while briefing newsmen on the activities of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell in collaboration with the United Kingdom – National Crime Agency on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said the centre had officially launched the State Expansion Programme of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell, bridging a critical gap between national security coordination and state-level tactical response.

The National Coordinator noted that kidnapping in Nigeria was no longer a random crime, but an industry being ran by sophisticated and well-armed criminal networks that thrive on fear and fund violence through ransoms.

According to him, the programme was aimed at dismantling that economy by connecting national strategy with boots-on-ground action.

He said the fusion cell was created in partnership with the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) to facilitate high-profile rescues and breaking up kidnapping rings across the country.

The national coordinator noted that kidnapping in Nigeria was no longer a random crime, but an industry being ran by sophisticated and well-armed criminal networks that thrive on fear and fund violence through ransoms.
According to him, the programme was aimed at dismantling that economy by connecting national strategy with boots-on-ground action.

He said the fusion cell was created in partnership with the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) to facilitate high-profile rescues and breaking up kidnapping rings across the country.

General Laka noted the cell had played key roles in supporting rescue operations, disrupting kidnapping networks, and improving interagency coordination.

According to him, experience has shown that while national coordination is crucial, state-level engagement is also indispensable.

“Too often, real-time intelligence, local knowledge, and operational readiness reside with field commands, while national coordination can only succeed when it is informed by ground realities.

“This is the primary purpose of this programme – to close the gap between national-level coordination and state-level response. Essentially, to build direct operational linkages between the Cell and state commands across the country,” Laka said.

Economy

Food Security: Sanwo-olu Commended Over Launch of ₦500bn ‘Produce for Lagos’

Published

2 weeks ago

July 26, 2025

Our Reporter

The Good Governance Campaign Forum (GGCF) has praised the Lagos State Government for launching the “Produce for Lagos” programme, describing this initiative and its ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund as a brilliant solution to the food insecurity challenges the nation faces.

The Forum issued this commendation in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Rahman Suleiman, on Wednesday, following the official unveiling ceremony of the program earlier in the week.

The program aims to transform Lagos’ food system and reduce the state’s dependency on external food sources, receiving positive recognition both within and outside the state for the Sanwo-Olu-led government’s efforts.

According to Suleiman, the initiative is timely and represents a pioneering collaboration between the Lagos State Government, the private sector, the Lagos Food Systems Infrastructure Company (LAFSINCO), Ekolog, and the Lagos Bulk Trading Company. He noted that this model is designed not only to enhance food production and logistics across the state but could also serve as a scalable framework for improving livelihoods and national resilience.

Suleiman shared insights from the Forum’s sampling of public opinion in Lagos and other states, indicating that people are pleased with the Lagos State Government’s strategic programs aimed at tackling hunger and starvation. He emphasized that a key component of the “Produce for Lagos” program is its data-driven approach, which will help address agricultural inefficiencies and strengthen value chains.

“Food security is a collective responsibility that we cannot afford to neglect as a nation,” Suleiman stated. “We are grateful to God for providing us with a leader like Sanwo-Olu, who is visionary, forward-thinking, and compassionate toward ordinary people.”

He commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for consistently setting benchmarks and leading by example in subnational governance. These achievements underscore the economic growth, infrastructural development, and urban planning efforts of the Lagos government.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu is a trailblazer; he has done exceptionally well, and we fully support his programs and policies. His work over the past six years speaks for itself,” he added.

Suleiman noted that this initiative, a partnership between the state government and the private sector, is expected to significantly boost agricultural production.

During the launch, Governor Sanwo-Olu also announced the deployment of a fleet of 150 cold and dry trucks—the largest of its kind—in partnership with the private sector.

Business mogul Tony Elumelu, who supported the project with ₦25 billion, stated that food security is crucial and expressed satisfaction with the collaboration between Lagos and other participating states.

Other prominent individuals at the event included Amir Kamel, Vice President of Afreximbank, and Michel Deleen, the Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, among other dignitaries.

Economy

Constitution Amendment: Group Urges NASS, FG To Prioritise Restructuring, Regionalism

Published

3 weeks ago

July 24, 2025

Our Reporter

… rejects the creation of new states

A prominent youth organization, the Youth Bureau, has urged the National Assembly to prioritize genuine restructuring of Nigeria, emphasizing regional autonomy and the establishment of State Police without further delay. This call comes as the legislature reviews the nation’s constitution.

The demand was articulated in the group’s Position Paper presented to the National Assembly Committee on Constitutional Amendment for the South-West Zone, which convened recently in Lagos.

In a statement signed by its Southern Coordinator, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Thursday in Lagos, the Youth Bureau also rejected calls for the creation of new states. The group warned that the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government contradicts their position, asserting that its implementation should be set aside. They believe only the State Government should have the authority to create local governments.

AbdulRazaq urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize comprehensive restructuring, as it is fundamental to effective governance and development. He encouraged the National Assembly Committee on Constitutional Amendment to make bold decisions that will have a positive impact on the populace.

He pointed out that the regional governments established in the late 1960s in Nigeria facilitated healthy governance and development, particularly under the Action Group government led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the Western Region. During that period, significant advancements were made in free education initiatives, healthcare infrastructure, industrialization, and overall infrastructure growth.

AbdulRazaq noted that the abolition of regional autonomy by the late General Aguyi Ironsi led to a unitary system of government, which resulted in excessive concentration of power in the central government, a lack of adherence to the rule of law, and restricted resource control and financial autonomy for the regions.

The Youth Bureau’s position paper includes the following demands and recommendations for the National Assembly Committee on Constitutional Amendment:

Our Demands

We urge the National Assembly Committee to consider the following:

Genuine restructuring of the country based on regional autonomy.
No need for the creation of additional states.
The formation of State Police without further delay.
Recognition that local government is a component of state government; the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government contradicts this principle, and its implementation should be set aside. Only the State Government should have the authority to create local governments.

Conclusion

We believe that a decentralized governance system founded on devolution and decentralization will ensure political and fiscal autonomy for its component units and promote equity among them. We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize comprehensive restructuring and encourage the National Assembly Committee to make bold decisions that positively affect the citizenry.

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