“APC Hails Tinubu’s Visionary Drive Transforming Nigeria’s Mineral Future”

According to Ireporter Online, the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary economic reforms and bold policy initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing them as transformative steps unlocking Nigeria’s vast mineral wealth.

In a statement issued in Ogba, Lagos, by its Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, the party noted that for decades Nigeria’s economy had relied heavily on oil revenue while leaving other mineral resources largely untapped. Oladejo stated that President Tinubu’s administration has reversed that trend through a comprehensive roadmap that emphasizes diversification, transparency, and value addition in the solid minerals sector.

He highlighted several initiatives introduced by the APC-led Federal Government that are reshaping the mining industry. Among them is the Nigerian Mineral Resource Strategy (2024–2033)—a 10-year master plan focused on creating an investment-friendly environment, enhancing geological data, and promoting community participation in mining operations.

Other measures include the establishment of the Nigerian Solid Minerals Development Company (NSMDC), a government-backed institution now serving as a strategic partner with private investors for exploration, processing, and exportation of mineral resources; and the Mineral Resource and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO), created across all states to mediate disputes, ensure environmental compliance, and protect host communities’ interests.

Oladejo also mentioned the Mining Marshals Initiative, a specialized security outfit under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) designed to combat illegal mining and protect legitimate operators. In addition, the government has rolled out regulatory reforms and incentives such as tax holidays, duty waivers for mining equipment, and 100 per cent profit repatriation to attract both local and foreign investors.

According to the statement, these efforts have significantly boosted investor confidence, with the digitalization of the Mining Cadastre Office enabling real-time tracking and transparent licensing processes. The Renewed Hope Agenda, Oladejo added, has spurred unprecedented levels of foreign direct investment into the mining sector.

He cited notable examples, including the Qatar Investment Authority’s (QIA) $500 million pledge for lithium and gold projects in Nasarawa and Kaduna states; partnerships between the Ogunlesi Group/Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) and Nigerian firms for granite and industrial mineral ventures in Ogun and Kogi; as well as Chinese and Australian consortiums signing MoUs worth over $1.2 billion for lithium, zinc, and rare earth exploration across Plateau, Kebbi, and Cross River states.

Similarly, a Canadian-Nigerian joint venture in Niger State is developing gold refining facilities projected to create 5,000 direct jobs and generate more than $250 million annually in export revenue. The administration, Oladejo emphasized, now prioritizes local beneficiation to ensure minerals are processed domestically, thereby creating jobs and enhancing value chains.

He further disclosed that the government is partnering with the African Finance Corporation (AFC) and the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) to finance infrastructure projects supporting the mining ecosystem, including rail networks and industrial clusters.

The Lagos APC applauded President Tinubu and the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, for redefining mining as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic renewal. According to the party, the Renewed Hope Agenda has introduced accountability, structure, and international credibility to a sector long neglected but now thriving under reform-driven leadership.

Oladejo concluded that Nigeria stands on the brink of a new industrial revolution powered by innovation, technology, and the sustainable development of its mineral resources, adding that the Lagos APC remains confident that President Tinubu’s leadership will ensure the nation’s mineral wealth benefits every Nigerian.