By Yusuf Salihu Sansani, Jalingo
Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has assured prospective investors in the solid minerals sector of a conducive business environment, adequate security and government support to enable them invest and operate successfully in the state.
Kefas gave the assurance during the maiden Taraba State Solid Minerals Investment Roundtable held at the Exco Chamber of the T.Y. Danjuma House, Jalingo, where he engaged investors and representatives of mining companies interested in the state’s vast mineral resources.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the governor to interact directly with prospective investors, understand their areas of interest and explore possible partnerships towards unlocking the economic potential of Taraba’s solid minerals sector.
Kefas thanked the investors and mining companies for responding to the state’s invitation, assuring them that his administration was prepared to welcome credible investments into the sector.
He said the state government was committed to creating favourable conditions for businesses to thrive, stressing that security remained a major priority in its efforts to attract and retain investors.
The governor disclosed that his administration had strengthened security arrangements across the state to protect investors, host communities and mining sites.
He also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly the increased security presence in the state, citing the establishment of the Nigerian Army’s 10 Division, headquartered in Jalingo, as a significant development.
The engagement featured detailed interactions between the governor and representatives of various mining companies on investment opportunities, operational concerns and areas of possible collaboration.
Kefas said he would further engage the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, on some of the issues raised during the meeting, adding that the outcomes of the discussions would subsequently be communicated to the investors in writing.
Describing the roundtable as an important opportunity to establish direct relationships with prospective investors, the governor urged companies that eventually commence operations in the state to prioritise the employment and development of local artisans and youths.
According to him, Taraba has a large pool of hardworking and energetic young people capable of contributing meaningfully to the growth of the mining industry.
Kefas reaffirmed that his administration’s objective was to ensure that the state’s mineral wealth translates into employment opportunities, increased economic activity and sustainable development for its people.
Also speaking at the roundtable, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, commended Governor Kefas for his efforts to attract investment into Taraba’s solid minerals sector.
Alake said the Federal Government was ready to support states pursuing initiatives aimed at strengthening their economies and urged investors interested in Taraba’s mining sector to comply with relevant laws, regulations and guidelines established by the state and Federal Government.
Taraba is endowed with significant deposits of various solid minerals across its 16 Local Government Areas.
Stakeholders believe increased investment in the sector could expand the state’s economic base, create employment opportunities, reduce youth restiveness and discourage illegal mining activities, thereby contributing to improved security and sustainable economic development.
