Pulse.ng : NEPC commits to enhancing solid minerals exportation in Kaduna

By Aisha Gambo

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has reiterated its commitment to enhancing solid minerals exportation through the establishment of clusters and aggregation centres in Kaduna State.

The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer , NEPC, Nonye Ayeni, made the disclosure on Tuesday during a strategic engagement on the establishment of solid minerals clusters, aggregation centres and hub for export competitiveness in Kaduna.

The CEO, who was represented by Amina Abdulrahman, Regional Co-ordinator, NEPC, stated that the state was blessed with immense potentials on mineral resources, which was faced by numerous challenges .

“In spite of the potentials, the sector is faced with numerous challenges, including informal activities, lack of funding, inadequate mining technology, lack of quality and standards, insufficient geological data and capacity building.

“It is worth mentioning that the mandate of Nigerian Export Promotion Council is to promote the development and diversification of Nigeria’s export trade,’ she said.

Ayeni explained that the engagement programme would provide a platform for stakeholders to come together, share ideas and encourage processors on the need for value addition along the value chain.

She stated that the council prioritised value addition promotion, strengthening export capacity building , enhancing market access, leveraging technology and innovation for exporters to succeed in international markets.

While speaking, Gov. Uba Sani commended NEPC and the Kaduna Mining Development Corporation for organising the engagement programme.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Business Innovation and Technology ,Yusuf Saleh, stated that state was richly endowed with solid minerals such as gold, tin, lithium, and gemstones.

He added that these solid minerals can serve as tjrcornerstone for sustainable development and job creation, if harnessed strategically.

Sani explained that his administration was committed to creating an enabling environment for solid minerals mining and exportation.

He added that there were policies in place to streamline licensing, improve infrastructure and foster public-private partnership.

Earlier,the NEPC State Co-ordinator, Kabir Yusuf, said the establishment of solid mineral clusters and aggregation centres was a strategic initiative aimed at unlocking the full potential of mineral resources.

He added that the clusters would create jobs, and boost the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the state.

According to him, the engagement would provide a platform to deliberate on the opportunities and challenges associated with the initiative and to chart a course for its effective implementation.

The Director of Operations, Kaduna Mining Development Corporation (KMDC), Usman Ibrahim, stated that organising miners into clusters would enhance productivity and ensure better resource management.

He added that the initiative was not only about improving individual livelihoods but also about building a sustainable future for the entire mining sector in Nigeria.(NAN)