The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Oladele Henry Alake, has pledged the Federal Government’s support for Taraba State’s efforts to attract credible investment and establish itself as a major mining hub in Nigeria.
Alake gave the assurance at the weekend in Jalingo during the 2026 Taraba State Solid Minerals Investment Roundtable, which brought together government officials, licensed mining operators and prospective investors.
The minister commended Governor Agbu Kefas for aligning his administration’s development agenda with the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu, saying the state had demonstrated a willingness to work closely with the Federal Government.
He, however, stressed that the mere presence of mineral deposits could not guarantee economic prosperity without deliberate efforts to develop them into commercially viable assets.
“What Governor Kefas is doing in Taraba State is synonymous with President Tinubu’s transformative agenda.
“However, mineral occurrence is not the same thing as a mineral asset. The mere presence of deposits does not automatically translate into wealth,” Alake said.
The minister urged the state government to focus its resources on a small number of commercially viable projects rather than spreading its efforts across multiple unfinished initiatives.
He advised the government to take at least one strategic mineral project through to commercial production, saying such a milestone would significantly improve investors’ perception of the state.
“Devote your energy to a few strategic mineral projects. Take at least one project and finish it to commercial production level; that singular milestone will dramatically change investors’ perception of Taraba,” he said.
Alake also highlighted transparency, clearly defined regulatory responsibilities and meaningful engagement with host communities as key factors in attracting reputable private-sector investment to the mining industry.
He further defended the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, describing the removal of the petrol subsidy as a bold but necessary step towards addressing fiscal leakages.
Taraba promises reforms in mining sector
Speaking at the event, Governor Kefas reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reforming the state’s mining sector and moving it away from illicit and informal activities towards a regulated and environmentally responsible industry.
“Our clear direction is to move from irregular mining to licensed mining. We want mining activities that protect our environment and deliver tangible benefits to host communities,” Kefas said.
The governor assured prospective investors that the state would provide adequate security, transparent administrative processes and institutional support to protect investments and facilitate profitable operations.
He said his administration remained focused on creating an enabling environment for responsible mining and ensuring that the exploitation of Taraba’s mineral resources translated into tangible economic benefits for host communities and the state as a whole.
