By joshua THE DARK HORSE: CHIEF ENGR. HON. ABUBAKAR BASHIRU GEGU,
By
Amb. Hon. Abdulsalam Bawa DANGANA
THE DARK HORSE: CHIEF ENGR. HON. ABUBAKAR BASHIRU GEGU, Honourable Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Kogi State
Chief Engr. Hon. Abubakar Bashiru Gegu has emerged as a “Dark Horse” in the Kogi State Executive Council. Known for his calm, engineering-driven approach and zero-noise work ethic, he is quietly delivering results that are repositioning the solid minerals sector as a key driver of the state’s economy.
Since assuming Office, the Honourable Commissioner, a trained engineer and technocrat, has focused on three core areas: 1. Regulation, 2. Revenue, and 3. Grassroots Empowerment. His performance has positioned him as a strategic asset in the Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s drive to diversify Kogi’s economy beyond oil.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS AND FOCUS AREAS
1. Organized and Sustainable Mining Operations
Chief Engr. Bashiru Gegu has led efforts to streamline and formalize mining activities across the state in line with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act. This includes closing illegal mining pits, bringing operators under regulation, and advocating for responsible mining that protects land, water, and the environment.
2. Revenue Optimization and IGR Drive
Under his leadership, the Ministry has strengthened monitoring and accountability to block leakages. By working with relevant agencies to track mineral evacuation, the Ministry is ensuring improved Internally Generated Revenue from royalties, taxes, and levies without overburdening local operators.
3. Investment Promotion and Investor Relations
Engr. Bashiru Gegu serves as the liaison between the Kogi State Government and mining investors to fast-track approvals and reduce bottlenecks. He is also marketing Kogi’s mineral deposits to local and foreign investors to create an enabling environment for mining companies to set up and operate in the state.
4. Community Development and Grassroots Empowerment
He has prioritized Community Development Agreements and the inclusion of women, youths, and cooperative groups in the mining value chain, especially in artisan mining. This aligns with the “Renewed Hope” agenda of job creation and ensures host communities benefit through employment and Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) projects, while minimizing conflicts.
CORE MANDATES OF THE KOGI STATE MINISTRY OF SOLID MINERALS AND NATURAL RESOURCES
The Kogi State Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources was established to harness, regulate, and develop the state’s vast mineral and natural resource endowments for economic growth and job creation.
To achieve this, the Ministry is mandated to:
1. Regulation and Formalization: Ensure all mining and quarrying activities operate with proper licenses and comply with safety and environmental standards.
2. Revenue Generation: Increase IGR from solid minerals and ensure due payments to government.
3. Investment Promotion: Attract local and foreign investment into the solid minerals sector.
4. Data and Geological Survey: Collate data on mineral deposits across the 21 LGAs of Kogi State to guide planning, exploration, and allocation.
5. Value Addition: Encourage the establishment of processing plants in-state so raw minerals are beneficiated in Kogi before export, thereby creating jobs and boosting the economy.
6. Community Development: Ensure host communities benefit from mining activities.
IN SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
The Ministry provides the policy and framework, while Chief Engr. Abubakar Bashiru Gegu provides the leadership to turn Kogi’s solid minerals into jobs, revenue, and industrial growth. He represents quiet competence and results – a dependable technocrat whose work is laying the foundation for sustainable growth, industrialization, and prosperity for Kogi State.
AMB. HON. ABDULSALAM BAWA DANGANA, LOKOJA LGA, KOGI STATE.