FIC Report (Nasarawa State) – The Minister of Solid mineral Development, Mr. Dela Alake said that, Nasarawa State has emerged as a major hub for solid minerals investment in Nigeria, attracting over $800 million in Direct Foreign Investment (DFI), according to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake.
Speaking during President Bola Tinubu’s one-day working visit to Nasarawa State on Wednesday (June 25, 2025), Alake highlighted the State’s leading role in the sector, attributing the investment influx to the Federal Government’s value-addition policy.
“Because of the positive effect of our local value-addition policy, Nasarawa State alone has attracted over $800 million in direct foreign investments into the solid minerals sector,” Alake said.
He further announced a landmark $400 million rare earth minerals and critical metals plant, which he described as the largest in Africa, to be sited in Nasarawa. The project is expected to create over 10,000 jobs upon completion.
“Nasarawa State has been at the forefront of this transformation, and we have directed that separation centers be established in other geopolitical zones to ensure nationwide benefits,” Alake added.
The minister also noted that the solid minerals sector’s annual revenue has surged from ₦6 billion to ₦38 billion within a year, driven by policy reforms, stricter enforcement against illegal mining, and enhanced licensing processes.
Governor Abdullahi Sule on his part, commended the Federal Government’s efforts in positioning Nasarawa as Nigeria’s solid minerals capital. He also urged President Tinubu to fast-track oil exploration in Obi Local Government Area, where over one billion barrels of hydrocarbons have been discovered.
With sustained investments and policy support, Nasarawa State is poised to remain a key driver of Nigeria’s mining sector growth.
Signed
Ari, Liman Aminu.
Head of Centre,
FIC, LAFIA
