By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
Kogi State is emerging as a major driver of Nigeria’s economic diversification through the solid minerals sector, according to the state’s Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Engr. Bashir Abubakar Mohammed Gegu. Speaking at the 4th African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS 2025), held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Gegu boldly declared, “Kogi is Nigeria’s future, Nigeria is Africa’s future, and Africa is the future of the world.”
Gegu revealed to Standard Times Nigeria that Kogi State holds more than 38 of Nigeria’s 42 known solid mineral resources, positioning the state as a key contributor to national revenue generation and economic transformation.
“Today, I can tell you that Kogi State is blessed beyond measure regarding mineral deposits. But we’re not just talking about presence — we are actively securing reserve estimates to attract serious investments,” he stated.
The summit, themed “Harnessing Local Content for Sustainable Development,” gathered top government officials, investors, and stakeholders in the natural resources and energy sectors across Africa.
Highlighting the state’s proactive strategies, Gegu noted that the administration of Governor Ododo Ahmed has significantly invested in mining infrastructure. This includes the acquisition of excavators, payloaders, dump trucks, and the establishment of the Kogi State Solid Mineral Processing Company Ltd, led by Engr. Mohammed Emmanuel Lawal. The Commissioner described Lawal as the “mother of miners” for his transformative leadership.
“Under Governor Ododo’s administration, we’ve secured multiple mineral licenses and are now operating mine sites for beryllium, gold, iron ore, and limestone. We are committed to creating an enabling environment for investors — with security, technical expertise, and human capital development,” Gegu said.
He emphasized Kogi’s policy requiring in-state processing of mined materials, a move aligned with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals’ directive to curb the export of raw mineral resources.
“In Kogi, you mine, process, and then export. This ensures value addition, job creation, and sustainable local growth,” he explained.
On leveraging technology, Gegu noted the state’s interest in international partnerships for technological advancement in exploration and reserve estimation.
“We’ve recently visited China with Governor Ododo to attract technology-driven investors. Knowing our reserve estimates will attract serious global interest and prevent devaluation of our resources,” he said.
Gegu also announced plans to train 25,000 Kogi youths in mining and mineral resource management, emphasizing the state’s commitment to inclusive development.
Echoing sentiments expressed by the Federal Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, Gegu stated, “We are already writing the history that Africa needs — by acting, not just talking. This summit has brought investors from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and across Africa to our doorstep. Kogi is ready.”
The Commissioner concluded by reinforcing Kogi’s readiness to lead Nigeria’s mining revolution: “The time for Kogi is now. And with our resources, policies, and people, we are positioned to lead not only Nigeria but the entire continent into a prosperous mineral-driven future.”
The summit continues with further panel discussions and investment matchmaking sessions throughout the week.