The Kogi government states that it has acquired 30 mineral titles spread across the 21 local government areas of the state to enhance its revenue base and promote economic growth.

Bashiru Gegu, commissioner for solid minerals and natural resources, disclosed at the grand finale of the 2025 Kogi State Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Week on Thursday in Lokoja.

The theme of the press week is ‘Kogi State Solid Minerals: How Journalists Can Drive Development’.

Mr Gegu noted that Kogi is richly endowed with various solid minerals, including iron ore, limestone, coal, gold, and tantalite. He regretted that, despite those minerals, the mining sector had remained largely untapped.

“The good news is that Governor Ahmed Ododo’s administration has started something by acquiring mineral titles, which it has increased from the existing 15 to 30 across the state.

“The acquisition of the minerals titles is basically to shore up the state’s revenue base and economic growth. Kogi has also gone ahead and acquired mining equipment for the tapping of the minerals to boost development and reduce reliance on oil revenue.

“The equipment includes high-grade excavators, loaders, dump trucks, amongst others, which will greatly help us to compete with mining companies,” he said.

He said that Mr Ododo’s administration had prioritised the development of the solid minerals sector, in view of its potential to drive industrialization, job creation, and revenue diversification beyond oil.

He added, “With the acquisition of the minerals titles, the state is poised to become a major player in the solid minerals industry. The government is committed to ensuring that the sector is developed in a sustainable and responsible manner.

“The expected development is expected to open up multiple streams of revenue that would boost all-round development in the state.”

The commissioner charged journalists to play a pivotal role in driving development in the solid minerals sector by promoting responsible mining and sustainable development.

(NAN)