The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have inaugurated a Joint Technical Working Group (JTWG) to deepen collaboration between the Federal Government and State Governments in the development and regulation of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
The inauguration, held on Wednesday, 9th July 2026, at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja, marks another milestone in the implementation of the Ministry’s reform agenda aimed at fostering cooperative governance, attracting investment, combating illegal mining, and ensuring that mineral resources contribute meaningfully to national and sub-national economic development.
Representing the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo, FNSE, described the inauguration as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s deliberate policy of involving State Governments in the management and development of the nation’s mineral resources.
He expressed the Ministry’s appreciation to the Director General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr. Abdullateef Shittu, whom he described as an experienced administrator with an impressive understanding of sub-national governance, for his unwavering commitment to strengthening collaboration between the Forum and the Ministry.
According to the Permanent Secretary, the establishment of the Joint Technical Working Group aligns with the Honourable Minister’s Seven-Point Agenda, which prioritises stronger partnerships with State Governments to unlock the vast potential of the mining sector.
He explained that the Working Group would serve as a strategic platform to enhance communication between the Ministry and the States, harmonise State mining initiatives with the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, and the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Regulations, 2011, facilitate data sharing, encourage responsible investment, and undertake other activities that promote effective implementation of Nigeria’s mining laws.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr. Abdullateef Shittu, commended the Ministry for institutionalising collaboration with the States, noting that sustainable mineral development requires strong partnerships between all tiers of government.
He reaffirmed the commitment of State Governors to supporting reforms capable of transforming the mining sector into a major contributor to economic diversification, employment generation, and sustainable development. He added that the Joint Technical Working Group would provide an effective framework for addressing emerging challenges, improving policy coordination, and ensuring that host communities derive greater benefits from mining activities.
Also speaking, the Director General of the Mining Cadastre Office, Engr. Simon Ukom, emphasised the importance of transparency, efficient mineral title administration, and regulatory certainty in attracting credible investments into the sector.
He noted that closer collaboration with State Governments would enhance information sharing, reduce areas of conflict, improve compliance with existing regulations, and strengthen investor confidence in Nigeria’s mining industry.
A major highlight of the event was the formal inauguration of members of the Joint Technical Working Group by the Permanent Secretary on behalf of the Honourable Minister. The committee is expected to drive strategic engagements between the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, promote policy alignment, facilitate information exchange, and recommend practical measures for the effective implementation of mining policies and legislation across the Federation.
The inauguration underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to cooperative federalism and reinforces ongoing efforts to build a transparent, investor-friendly, and globally competitive mining sector capable of delivering sustainable socio-economic benefits for all Nigerians.
Kania Maliki Andeyaba
Head(Press and Public Relations Department)
9th July, 2026
