KOGI GOVT ACQUIRES 30 MINERAL TITLES TO BOOST REVENUE, DRIVE INDUSTRIALISATION
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Kogi State Government has acquired 30 mineral titles across the 21 local government areas of the state as part of efforts to diversify its economy and boost revenue generation.
The Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Bashiru Gegu, disclosed this on Thursday in Lokoja during the grand finale of the 2025 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Week with the theme “Kogi State Solid Minerals: How Journalists Can Drive Development.”
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Abdulsalam Hudu, Gegu said the move increased the state’s mineral titles from 15 to 30 under the administration of Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo.
He explained that Kogi is richly endowed with resources such as iron ore, limestone, coal, gold, and tantalite, but noted that the sector has remained largely underutilised for decades.
“The acquisition of the mineral titles is a result of Governor Ododo’s relentless efforts to shore up the revenue base of the state. Kogi has also acquired high-grade excavators, loaders, and dump trucks to compete with major mining companies. This is expected to reduce reliance on oil and open up new streams of revenue,” he said.
The commissioner stressed that the Ododo administration has prioritised the solid minerals sector because of its potential to drive industrialisation, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.
He further charged journalists to play a central role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and responsible mining practices through investigative reporting and policy advocacy.
Also speaking at the event, the guest speaker, Dr. Tope Joel, urged the state government to establish a dedicated solid mineral development company with a trained directorate to regulate and monitor mining operations effectively.
He emphasised that the media must take a proactive role in reporting mining activities to ensure the sector contributes meaningfully to socio-economic development.
Earlier, NUJ Chairman in Kogi State, Alhaji Ademu Seidu, commended Governor Ododo for creating a peaceful and enabling environment for the media. He, however, appealed to the state government to restore end-of-year financial support to journalists, fulfil its promise of providing a bus for the council, and renovate the NUJ colonial building and the Lord Lugard wooden house within the union’s premises.
The event also featured the conferment of awards on distinguished personalities and government officials for their contributions to societal development.
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