Kaduna Targets Foreign Investment to Tackle Illegal Mining and Drive Green Growth
Kaduna State is actively seeking foreign investment to transform its solid minerals sector, combat illegal mining, and generate jobs. At a recent quarterly ministerial briefing, Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Alhaji Abubakar Buba, emphasized Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to economic diversification through the mining sector. The state has already partnered with Core International Marketing and Management Ltd to develop a comprehensive roadmap for mining development. In 2024, Kaduna earned ₦30 million from solid minerals, with expectations of higher revenue in 2025.
A major milestone in the state’s mineral development is the launch of Nigeria’s first lithium processing plant in Kangimi village. With a daily capacity exceeding 30,000 tonnes, the facility represents a key step in value addition and industrialization. Kaduna is rich in over 70 different minerals, and the state-owned Kaduna Mining Development Company recently secured 18 additional mineral titles to boost exploration and investment.
To address illegal mining, the state has intensified surveillance and adopted an inclusive strategy. Buba explained that illegal miners are being organized into cooperative societies to integrate them into legal operations. By leveraging their local knowledge, these individuals will assist new investors and play a vital role in securing mining activities. This approach is expected to curb environmental degradation and bring previously unregulated actors into the formal economy.
On environmental sustainability, Kaduna leads among Nigerian states by implementing both a climate change policy and a formal position statement. The state has also launched community-focused programs like the ACReSAL project, which trained 500 youths and women in briquette production to reduce dependence on firewood. These efforts aim to protect forests and reduce carbon emissions, aligning economic growth with environmental responsibility.
In partnership with the Women’s Initiative on Sustainable Environment (WISE), Kaduna distributed clean cooking stoves to 400 beneficiaries. This initiative not only supports environmental goals but also enhances public health by reducing indoor air pollution. Commissioner Buba also highlighted the state’s inclusion in HYPPADEC and its recognition as the cleanest city in Northwestern Nigeria. The government now aims to become the cleanest state in the entire country by the end of 2025.
Source: The Sun