The Kogi State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Asiru Idris, has announced plans by the state government to fully utilize Kogi’s vast mineral and natural resources for economic development.
This ambitious initiative, according to Asiru, aims to transform the state into a hub of industrial activity and create significant employment opportunities.
Asiru, speaking at the Okun Patriots Personality Interactive Session, emphasized the state’s commitment to harnessing its mineral and natural wealth for the benefit of its citizens.
“Kogi State is blessed with abundant mineral resources, including gold, iron ore, limestone, and tantalite, apart from an extensive arable land for agriculture,” he stated.
“We are determined to leverage these resources to drive economic growth and improve the lives of our people.”
Asiwaju Asiru Idris said the government has outlined a comprehensive plan to achieve this goal, which includes: “Attracting investment: The state is discussing with investors to develop mining projects with a proviso that they must establish processing facilities in the state.
“The State has invested considerably in mining equipment to ensure minerals are processed to add value before shipping out of the state.
“Developing infrastructure: Investments are being made in roads, power, and other infrastructure to support mining operations. Roads within the state capital are being rehabilitated, and rural roads are receiving attention.
“For example, 12 roads are under construction in Yagba West, 7 in Mopa-Muro and 5 in Ijumu Local Government areas with a promise that all roads in Kogi West will receive attention for fair and equitable distribution of road infrastructure development in the state.
“Environmental protection: The government will prioritize sustainable mining practices to minimize environmental impact. Various gully erosion sites in Kogi West are receiving adequate attention to arrest the environmental degradation erosion has caused across the state.
“To achieve these objectives, funds are required and the government has achieved a considerable reduction in the state’s domestic debt from N121 billion to N38 billion which has accorded the state of a Fitch Rates of a ‘B-‘; Outlook Positive.
“The initiative has been met with enthusiasm from stakeholders, who see it as a catalyst for economic transformation, while local communities are hopeful that the project will bring prosperity to their areas.
“Contractors are back in various sites because of their confidence in the ability of the state to pay. N10 billion has been released for the Zone 8 Roundabout to GYB Junction.
“N10 billion has been released for the Zone 8 Roundabout to GYB Junction. This is in addition to the Zone 8 Roundabout to Crusher, which is nearing completion. The Ekinrin-Adde – Ife-Olukotun Road is being rewarded,” he added.
For food security, the Commissioner confirmed that N8 billion has so far been released to farm clusters with agricultural inputs.
“The Alape Staple Crops scheme will soon take off in collaboration with the AFDB. This is in addition to the establishment of a Commodity Exchange, Export Promotion, and Marketing Development Agency that will add value to the agricultural value chain in the state.
“Other staple crops processing zones have been earmarked to be developed in Ajaokuta and Anyigba and a livestock centre in Osara.
“$4.5 million will be spent on Agriculture Transformation Centres across the state with a total sum of $31 million to be spent on these centres in the next 5 years.
“The successful implementation of this plan will require strong collaboration between the government, private sector, and local communities. With a focus on sustainable development and inclusive growth, Kogi State is poised to unlock the potential of its mineral resources and embark on a new era of prosperity,” he concluded.
