The Yobe State Government has taken a decisive step toward economic diversification with the initiation of a comprehensive solid minerals exploitation programme aimed at unlocking the state’s vast mineral resources for sustainable development.
Speaking at a Mining Stakeholders Forum in Damaturu, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, His Excellency Hon. (Dr.) Mai Mala Buni, CON, COMN, declared that the Yobe Mining Development Company Limited is the sole agency authorized to coordinate and manage all exploration and mining activities across the state.
Governor Buni explained that the Yobe Mining Development Company serves as the government’s designated One-Stop-Shop, ensuring transparency, coordination, and effective regulation of mining operations.
“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,” the Governor said.
He stressed that the initiative marks a turning point in harnessing these natural endowments to create jobs, generate wealth, and advance the socio-economic development of the state.
“Our objective is to chart a coordinated course for the growth of the mining sector in Yobe State in a manner that aligns with federal policy, ensures community inclusion, attracts credible investors, and guarantees environmental responsibility,” Governor Buni stated.
According to him, responsible mining, when properly managed, can become a major driver of economic resilience, youth employment, and revenue diversification. He added that the state envisions a mining sector anchored on transparent regulation, environmental sustainability, community benefits, public-private partnerships, and strong accountability, while encouraging local participation and attracting reputable foreign investment.
Governor Buni charged stakeholders to focus on key areas including mineral mapping and data presentation, policy and institutional alignment, investor engagement and incentives, and clearly defined roles for host communities and traditional institutions.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Commerce, Alhaji Kaigama Umar, commended the Governor for his foresight in exploring alternative revenue sources through the exploitation of the state’s abundant solid mineral deposits.
The Chairman, Board of Directors of Yobe Mining Development Company Limited, Engr. Muhammad Abubakar, also praised Governor Buni for the paradigm shift in the state’s revenue drive.
“Under your watch, Yobe State has moved away from overdependence on federal revenue allocation to exploring alternative sources to strengthen the state’s revenue base,” Abubakar noted. He added that the solid minerals sector would complement existing revenue streams, stimulate economic growth, and create employment opportunities for the people.
In his presentation, the Managing Director of Yobe Mining Development Company, Engr. Bamodu Yerima, disclosed that the company has developed a robust information repository for feasibility studies in three priority mineral sectors: 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 explained that reputable consulting firms were engaged through open and transparent procurement processes to prepare feasibility studies in line with international best practices.
Engr. Yerima further revealed that the company has prioritized the organization of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) operations across Fika, Fune, Gulani, Gujba, Yusufari, and Nangere Local Government Areas. Artisanal miners have been registered into cooperative clusters and provided with training, safety equipment, and access to markets to support their operations.
To ensure inclusive development, the Managing Director said a Community Development Trust Fund has been established, with 5–10% of project profits earmarked for reinvestment in education, healthcare, and water infrastructure in host communities.
“The Yobe Mining Development Company is committed to ensuring that mining activities drive local livelihoods, peace, and shared prosperity at the grassroots through active community participation,” he said.
Engr. Yerima also disclosed ongoing engagements with key development and financial institutions, including the Islamic Development Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB), BADEA, Afreximbank, and the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), alongside NEXIM Bank for export financing and beneficiation support, and the Bank of Industry (BOI) for value addition and SME linkages in mineral-based manufacturing.
According to him, these partnerships reflect growing global confidence in Yobe State’s institutional reforms and industrial development vision.
Stakeholders drawn from across Nigeria and Germany, among other countries, commended the Yobe State Government for the bold initiative to diversify the state’s economy through a mining value chain that promotes job creation and economic prosperity.
The forum concluded with the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Yobe State Government and various stakeholders, marking a significant milestone in the state’s journey toward sustainable economic growth and diversification.
