The North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has opened talks with the Solid Minerals Machinery and Equipment Development Institute (SOMMEDI) to transform the region’s vast mineral deposits into a thriving market for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The discussions began when a SOMMEDI delegation, led by its managing director, Prof. Barnabas Ikyo Achakpa, visited the NCDC headquarters in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The team was received by NCDC managing director and chief executive officer, Dr Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil.
A statement by Dr Makut Simon Macham, NCDC’s head, Media and Corporate Communications, quoted Achakpa as saying that SOMMEDI’s proposal seeks joint action on machinery development, value addition, training, data generationand revenue generation.
He noted that formalizing mining would create employment for youths and reduce the negative challenges often linked to artisanal operations.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Tsenyil said the proposed collaboration aligns with NCDC’s mandate to drive economic prosperity in the region.
“SOMMEDI can help build the SME market in solid minerals within the North Central by developing machinery which helps small scale and large miners to extract, add value and process products,” he said.
He explained that the NCDC Establishment Act provides for the Commission to draw 3% revenue from solid minerals companies operating in the region. “It is therefore imperative that we take strategic actions that will build the sector, attract investment, and expand the revenue base,” Dr. Tsenyil added.
NCDC Executive Directors, Hajiya Aisha Rufai Ibrahim (Industrial and Commercial), James Abel Uloko (Corporate Services), Prof. Muhammad Bashar Nuhu (Finance), and Hajiya Bilqis Jumoke Sani (Administration and Human Resources) all endorsed the proposal.
They described it as “promising” and called for maximum attention to ensure its consummation.
LEADERSHIP Friday reports that SOMMEDI operates under the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and specializes in machinery for Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
Both institutions agreed to hold further meetings to develop a framework for the partnership.
Dr. Tsenyil said harnessing solid minerals as a driver of development would benefit not only the North Central but the nation at large.
