By joshua 
LEVERAGING KOGI’S SOLID MINERALS FOR ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION UNDER GOV. ODODO
By Abu Micheal
Kogi State Government is repositioning its economy away from over-dependence on federation allocation and oil revenue through strategic investment in the solid minerals subsector, under the administration of Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo.
Since assuming office, the Ododo administration has prioritized policies and programs aimed at reducing economic pressure on citizens while expanding the state’s revenue base. Key focus areas include education, health, agriculture, and equitable infrastructure distribution across Kogi State.
The administration recently obtained approval for 30 mining licenses from the Federal Government. The move is projected to create jobs, increase internally generated revenue, and serve as a template for other states pursuing diversification.
To drive the solid minerals agenda, the government has adopted the following strategies:
1. Identification and development of mineral resources unique to Kogi State, which hosts over 32 minerals including iron ore, coal, limestone, marble, gold, copper, and bitumen.
2. Investment in value-added processing and manufacturing to move beyond raw mineral exports.
3. Attraction of foreign investment and partnerships through economic engagement missions to China, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries with successful diversification models.
4. Infrastructure development to support mining and mineral processing, including procurement of modern machinery for solid minerals processing.
5. Job creation and skills training for 250 youths and local communities to promote self-reliance and citizen empowerment.
6. Revenue generation through royalties and taxes, employment creation, stimulation of local economies, and attraction of new businesses and investments.
The Kogi State Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources is central to policy formulation, investment information dissemination, operational regulation, and revenue generation for government.
Since his appointment, Engr. Bashiru Gegu, a professional Chemical Engineer with extensive experience in mining operations, has driven key reforms in the sector:
1. Sector Regulation and Development: Strengthened the ministry’s mandate to develop and regulate the solid minerals sector in line with federal guidelines.
2. Manpower Development: Initiated training programs to build local technical capacity for exploration, exploitation, and mineral processing.
3. Support for Small-Scale Mining: Created enabling conditions for small-scale miners through entrepreneurial training, access to processing facilities, and environmentally sustainable practices.
4. Investment Promotion: Positioned Kogi State as an investment destination by providing geological data and regulatory clarity to attract both local and international partnerships.
5. Environmental Sustainability: Promoted sustainable mining practices to balance economic gains with environmental protection.
6. Revenue and Economic Impact: Worked with the governor to ensure exploration and exploitation activities contribute measurably to the state’s economy, reducing reliance on unstable federal allocation.
With its comparative advantage in iron ore, coal, limestone, marble, gold, and bitumen deposits, Kogi State under Gov. Ododo is prioritizing mining infrastructure development, value-added processing, and local capacity building. Stakeholders expect increased revenue flow and job creation as licensed operations become fully operational.
The administration’s approach is being closely watched as a model for subnational economic diversification in Nigeria.
Abu Micheal, Journalist, Publisher, Member ANIPR, MNIM, Editorial Board Member, Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria, MCIA.