By Khalid Idris Doya The Bauchi State Government has reiterated its commitment to creating a conducive environment for investor...
By Khalid Idris Doya
The Bauchi State Government has reiterated its commitment to creating a conducive environment for investors through improved infrastructure, essential services, and social amenities.
Governor Bala Mohammed, represented by his deputy, Hon. Auwal Mohammed Jatau, stated this at the weekend during the official groundbreaking ceremony for the Bauchi-Minsheng Cooperation Company (BMCC) held in Dass Local Government Area.
He revealed that the state has so far issued two exploration licences and one small-scale mining licence as part of efforts to strengthen the solid minerals sector, with more approvals underway.
According to the governor, the idea that birthed the Bauchi Minsheng Cooperation Company Nigeria Ltd (BMCC) stemmed from the Sister-State relationship between Bauchi State and Shandong Province of China. This partnership culminated in the signing of a Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement with the Minsheng Group in September 2023.
“Today’s event underscores our administration’s vision to transform the solid minerals sector through active collaboration with the private sector on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) basis,” he said.
Governor Mohammed explained that subsequent field visits by the Minsheng Group confirmed the presence of various mineral deposits in commercial quantities in Toro and Dass LGAs. He added that BMCC was officially registered in Nigeria with equity contributions from both the Shandong Minsheng Group and the Bauchi State Government.
He noted that mineral resources remain a major driver of economic development, explaining that since 2019, his administration has implemented reforms aimed at attracting foreign direct investment into the sector.
He assured that Bauchi State will continue to unlock its mining potential in line with the national economic diversification agenda.
Chairman of Shandong Minsheng Group, Mr. Yu Tao, commended the Bauchi State Government for its unwavering support. He expressed confidence that BMCC would deepen economic ties between China and Nigeria, attract more foreign investment, expand employment opportunities, and accelerate economic growth across the state.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Natural Resources Development, Hon. Muhammad Maiwada Bello, described the launch as the result of strategic engagements and international cooperation driven by visionary leadership.
He said the initiative stands as one of the administration’s landmark achievements in its quest to diversify the state’s economy through the solid minerals sector.
Bello added that the establishment of BMCC marks a major milestone in harnessing Bauchi's vast mineral deposits.
He said the joint venture is expected to boost economic output, enhance technological advancement, and raise Bauchi’s profile in the global mining industry.
He noted that the state is steadily securing its place in global mineral development, thanks to investor-friendly policies introduced by Governor Bala Mohammed. These policies, he said, have strengthened mining infrastructure and improved regulatory frameworks to ensure sustainable and responsible exploration.
The Commissioner also emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency, community engagement, and environmental protection in all mining operations.
He assured that BMCC would operate in line with international best practices and deliver tangible benefits to host communities, including jobs, infrastructure, and improved livelihoods.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a stable and supportive environment throughout the lifespan of the project.
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