Governor Sule commissions 100 tons tin processing plant in Wamba
By DANJUMA JOSEPH, Lafia-
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has commissioned a multi-million naira tin mining and processing factory in Jida, Wamba Local Government Area, Seeconstructed by Matrix Energy Group.
The Governor, who commissioned the facility at a colourful ceremony on Thursday, emphasized that his administration would continue to support genuine investors to develop the solid minerals sector of the state’s economy.
According to him, tin mining is only associated with Plateau State, but his administration has broke the jinx by ensuring the establishment of not only a tin mining site but also a 100 tons per day processing plant in Nasarawa State.
Governor Sule attributed the successes being recorded in the investment sector to the passage of the executive order mandating investors coming into the state to set up processing plants.
“When we came up with the Executive Order One, a lot of people misunderstood us. We are encouraging investors. We are not sending investors away. The idea is to encourage investors to come and do their mining because it is on the exclusive list. It belongs to the Federal Government. We can’t stop any license that is coming to mine in our state. But what we are saying is that as you are coming, please also carry out the processing activity here. That way, the reclamation of the land would be easier,” he stated.
He advised the management of the Matrix Energy Group to ensure they provide adequate corporate social responsibility for the host community, as that way they would ensure the protection of their investment.
“I want to call on the company to ensure that you provide CSR to the people of the community so that they will feel some sense of belonging. When it comes to employment you look at them. Think of them when it comes to construction of schools, clinic, security, power and any other thing you can do to support them. They will be your chief security officers,” he said.
The Governor used the opportunity to announced that the World Bank is supporting Nasarawa State to establish a Multi Outdoor Court, a one-stop shop where issues about legalities, registration, issues concerning taxes, and even locating where investment would be sited, would be resolved in just one building.
“The World Bank has already released the resources to us and we are in the process of awarding the contract so that we can complete that building as quickly as possible,” he stated.
He identified the old Lafia Hotel premises as the site for the Multi Outdoor Court, as well as the head office of the Nasarawa State Investment Development Agency (NASIDA).
In his speech, Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu, CEO of Matrix Energy Group, said the facility being commissioned represents a significant investment in the Nigerian mining and showcases the Matrix Energy Group dedication to fostering the growth and development of the country’s non export economy.
Represented at the event, the CEO added that a lot have been spent on the Wamba facility and that the firm is committed spending a lot.
“This facility is set to create numerous jobs opportunities, enhance local skills and contribute significantly to the economic prosperity of this state and Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
Aliu commended both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sule for the president’s commitment to the development of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector and the Governor’s unparalleled efforts in promoting economic development and investment in the state.