The Yobe State Governor, Dr Mai Mala Buni, has called on the Yobe Mining Development Company to utilise the abundant mineral resources in the state for economic growth and diversification.
The governor made the call today at the Mining Stakeholders Forum in Damaturu, stating that the Yobe Mining Company is the designated one-stop shop of the government.
According to the governor, Yobe state is richly endowed with mineral resources such as limestone, gypsum, kaolin, granite, quartz, and silica, among many others; yet, for decades, these gifts of nature have remained grossly untapped and underutilised, adding that the time has come to turn these hidden potentials into productive assets that will create jobs, generate wealth, and advance socio-economic development in the state.
He added that one of the objectives of the Yobe state government is to chart a coordinated course for growth of the mining sector in the state in a manner that aligns with federal policy, ensures community inclusion, attracts credible investors and guarantees environmental responsibility.
“It is also our conviction that responsible mining, when properly managed, can become a major driver of our state’s economic resilience, youth employment, and revenue diversification.”
“We envision a mining sector that operates within a transparent regulatory framework; that upholds environmental sustainability and community benefit; that promotes public-private partnerships anchored on trust and accountability; that encourages local participation while attracting reputable foreign investment.”
He charged all stakeholders to concentrate on mineral mapping and data presentation to showcase Yobe’s potential, policy and institutional alignment, investor engagement and incentives, and the role of communities and traditional institutions, among others.
Responding to the governor’s call, the managing director of the Yobe Mining Development Company, Engr. Bamodu Yerima, said the company has an information repository for feasibility studies in three key mineral sectors, including limestone, for cement and hydrated lime production; gypsum, for cement, fertiliser, and building materials; and trona (soda ash), for fertiliser, detergent, and glass production.
He stated that reputable consulting firms have been engaged through open and transparent procurement processes to prepare feasibility studies in line with international standards, adding that the Yobe Mining Development Company prioritised organisation of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) operations across Fika, Fune, Gulani, Gujba, Yusufari, and Nangere LGAs.
According to Yerima, the company registered artisanal miners into cooperative clusters and provided training, safety tools, and market access for their takeoff.
He added that the Development Trust Fund was established to reinvest 5–10% of project profits into education, health, and water infrastructure.
“The Yobe Mining Development Company ensures that mining drives local livelihoods, peace, and shared prosperity at the grassroots to promote community participation.”
The Managing Director noted that the company has engaged the Islamic Development Bank, the African Development Bank (AFDB), BADEA, Afreximbank, and AFC for various partnership projects in the mineral sector. Others are NEXIM Bank, for export financing and beneficiation support, and Bank of Industry (BOI), for value addition and SME linkages in mineral-based manufacturing, which reflects the growing global confidence in Yobe’s institutional reforms and industrial vision.
Various stakeholders commended the Yobe state government for the bold initiative of diversifying the state’s economy with a value chain of job creation and economic prosperity.
Memoranda of Understanding were signed between the Yobe state government and the various stakeholders.
The stakeholders were drawn from across the country, Germany, among others.
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