By Khalid Idris Doya The Bauchi state government has said that it is fully committed to creating an enabling environment, rule...
By Khalid Idris Doya
The Bauchi state government has said that it is fully committed to creating an enabling environment, rule for the provision of infrastructure, services and other social amenities that would support investors to the state.
Governor Bala Mohammed said, "Since the commencement of this industrial journey, we have provided two exploration licenses, and one small scale mining license, with more to come".
Senator Bala Mohammed was speaking at the weekend at the official ground breaking for the launching of Bauchi-Minsheng Cooperation Company (BMCC) held in Dass local government area of the state.
Represented by his deputy, Hon. Auwal Mohammed Jatau, he said that the idea behind forming Bauchi Minsheng Co-operation Company Nigeria Ltd (BMCC NIG. LTD) emanated from the establishment of a Sister-State relation with Shandong province of China.
The relationship, the governor explained, led to the signing of a Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement between Bauchi State Government and Minsheng Group on the Mining Project in September 2023.
"Today's event no doubt underscores our administration's vision of developing and transforming the State's solid minerals sector through active collaboration with the Private sector on Public Private Partnership (PPP) Basis".
"Following this development, the Minsheng group embarked on a series of field visits to Bauchi state which led to the technical confirmation of the occurrence of various mineral deposits in commercial quantities in Toro and Dass areas of the state".
The Governor recalled that BMCC NIG. LTD was formally registered under Nigerian law with equity provided by Shandong Minsheng Group and the Bauchi State Government, stressing that mineral resources have over the years proven to be a major driver that transforms the economic status and industrial growth and development of a State.
The governor said, "This has informed the resolve of our administration since its inception in 2019 to embark on necessary reforms aimed at creating an enabling environment that attracts foreign direct investment to our solid minerals sector".
He emphasised that the state government will unlock its potential for sustainable growth in alignment with the Government's overall economic diversification agenda, saying the formation of the Joint Venture Company has further demonstrated the government's renewed commitment to transforming the state solid minerals sector.
Chairman of Shandong Minsheng Group, China, Mr. Yu Tao assured that the joint venture formation would go a long way for the benefit of the two countries, particularly the Bauchi state.
Mr. Yu Tao, commended the Bauchi State Government for its unwavering support and expressed confidence that the establishment of BMCC would further strengthen economic cooperation between China and Nigeria.
He noted that the project is poised to attract increased foreign investment, create additional employment opportunities, and accelerate economic growth across the state.
Speaking earlier, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Natural Resources Development, Hon. Muhammad Maiwada Bello said the event represents the culmination of strategic engagement, international cooperation, and the relentless commitment of visionary leadership in all honesty and modesty.
"It is also one of the landmark achievements in a deliberate efforts of Bauchi State Government under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Sen. Bala A. Mohammed, CON, Kauran Daular Usmaniyya, in diversifying the State economy through the solid minerals sector for sustainable growth and development", Bello said.
He described BMCC as a milestone in the development of Bauchi’s vast mineral deposits, emphasising that the initiative is expected to substantially boost economic output, promote technological advancement, and elevate the state’s global standing in the mining industry.
Bello further stated that Bauchi State is increasingly taking its place on the global stage in mineral resource development, crediting the visionary leadership of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad.
According to him, the government has introduced policies designed to attract credible investors, strengthen mining infrastructure, and enhance regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible and sustainable exploration.
The Commissioner underscored the state's commitment to transparency, community engagement, and environmental protection in all mining operations.
He assured that BMCC would adhere to international best practices, guaranteeing direct benefits for host communities through job creation, infrastructure development, and improved livelihoods. Bello reaffirmed the government’s pledge to maintain a stable and supportive environment throughout the lifespan of the project.
No comments