NCDC MANAGEMENT MEETS MINISTER OF SOLID MINERALS; POISED FOR STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP IN MINERALS DEVELOPMENT

The Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has commended the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) for its proactive initiative to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) aimed at driving interventions in the region’s rich solid minerals sector. The Minister gave the commendation while receiving the Management of the NCDC during a courtesy visit in Abuja.

The delegation, led by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, congratulated the Minister on his impactful policy reforms within a short period in office.

Dr. Tsenyil noted that the NCDC was established to drive sustainable development across the North Central region in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He emphasized that the Commission’s enabling Act mandates it to explore opportunities within the solid minerals sector, an area where the region is abundantly endowed. While acknowledging that mineral resources fall under the Exclusive Legislative List, the MD stated that the Commission is exploring viable frameworks within its legal mandate to actively contribute to the sector.

He disclosed that the NCDC has resolved to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle to facilitate this objective. Dr.

Tsenyil further sought the Minister’s collaboration and support in actualizing the SPV, as well as addressing challenges associated with artisanal mining, including insecurity and regulatory concerns. He also appealed for the Ministry’s assistance in providing access to data on mining companies operating within the region to enable the Commission access the statutory 3 percent derivation as stipulated in its Act.

In his response, the Minister congratulated the NCDC Management on their appointment, describing them as worthy pioneers of a Commission envisioned as a key driver of regional development. He lauded their vision and described the proposed partnership as timely and aligned with the Ministry’s objectives.

Alake highlighted that the North Central region has recorded about 60 percent of the Ministry’s achievements since his assumption of office, particularly in attracting foreign direct investment, establishing mineral processing industries, promoting local value addition, and enhancing knowledge transfer. He pledged the Ministry’s full support in facilitating the establishment of the SPV and expressed readiness to collaborate with the Commission in advancing government objectives in the solid minerals sector down to the grassroots.

The Minister added that the collaboration would also address critical issues such as easing investor bottlenecks, tackling illegal mining activities, strengthening security, and ensuring that the benefits of mineral resources directly impact local communities. Both parties agreed to constitute a joint technical committee to develop the framework and modalities for a comprehensive and effective partnership.

North Central Development Commission (NCDC) Media Department 10th April 2026