Kogi Set To Begin Mining Operation, Acquires 15 Licences

By Ayodele Oni

Kogi State Government has acquired 15 mining licenses preparatory to go into full scale mining business.

Special Adviser on Media to Kogi State Governor, Ismaila Isah, who disclosed this, assured local communities in the state that they will soon experience major economic transformation with the commencement of mining operations and new infrastructure development projects in the state.

Isah, who spoke in Abuja, revealed that with the recent acquisition of 15 mining licenses, the Kogi state government is poised to reinvigorate the economy in local communities across the state.

The Governor’s spokesman said youths will take the lead in the emerging solid minerals economy in Kogi state.

“Kogi has over 32 mineral deposits, all in commercial quantities. The state government has floated a special purpose vehicle (SPV), under the solid minerals development company, to open up the mining sector to foreign and local investors.

“We have acquired 15 mining licenses and ready to go into full mining business.

“Our approach is to make these mining activities community-owned. We are encouraging communities to float cooperatives that will allow them become critical stakeholders in the mining sector.

“Aside the usual corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts that companies present to our people, we want communities to have a say in the running of mining activities in their lands.

“We will also ensure our youths play critical roles in the mining operations. The state government has unveiled plans to train 25,000 youths to take the lead in the mineral exploration we are embarking upon.”

Isah said that Governor Ododo is currently in China where he is holding discussions with the international community on investment opportunities in Kogi state.

According to him, aside from direct investment, Governor Ododo is also discussing about platforms for technology transfer and manpower exchanges towards enhancing skills and technology that will enable development of critical sectors like mining, agriculture, healthcare, education, power and transportation.

He confirmed that Governor Ododo is willing to open up the state’s mining sector to investors that are genuine and willing to align with state’s development agenda.

“We run a very smart government with smart people on board. Some of them have been in government for well over eight years and are grounded in the business of governance.

“We are selling the vast potentials of our state including our large expanse of fertile lands and mineral resources.

“Kogi is home to some of the most brilliant human beings in the world. We are reputed as a state where most of our human resource exports have done very well, both from the pre-independence era up to this time.

“We have readily available human resources to support investors interested in Kogi state.”