Nasarawa Poly upgraded to Mining and Tech University
President Bola Tinubu has signed off on turning the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa into a full-fledged specialised university.The institution will now be known as the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, Nasarawa. The announcement was made on Friday in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. The move follows a proposal by Senator Ahmed Aliyu...
SMDF boss forecasts N30tr mining sector by 2030, calls for greater govt-academia-industry partnership
L-r:: President of the Physical and Earth Sciences Students’ Association (PESSA), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Mr. Ogunwoolu Olalabi; Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola; Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), Hajiya Fatima Shinkafi; and Dean, Faculty of Physical and Earth Sciences, University of Lagos, Professor Olayinka Asekun, during the Maiden Annual Lecture Series of the...
South West Development Commission and the Challenge of Illegal Mining in Southwest Nigeria
*Dr. Charles Akindiji Akinola, MD/CEO of South West Development Commission* Nigeria’s South West region, comprising Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo states, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, agricultural potential, and emerging economic dynamism. However, beneath its surface lies a growing crisis: rampant illegal (artisanal and small-scale) mining, which threatens the environment, security, livelihoods, and sustainable development. The recently established...
Ondo Governor felicitates MD/CEO of South West Development Commission at 70
*Dr. Charles Akindiji Akinola* Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has congratulated Dr. Charles Akindiji Akinola, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South West Development Commission SWDC, on his 70th birthday. In a goodwill message, Governor Aiyedatiwa described Dr. Akinola as a visionary leader and development strategist whose commitment to inclusive growth is beginning to drive development in the...
Osun Governor Tackles Banditry in Mining Sector, Sets up Mining Community Intelligence Architecture
"If we do not act now, the peace Osun is known for will be sacrificed on the altar of gold” *Photo: Governor Ademola Adeleke* Governor Ademola Adeleke has taken steps to tackle increasing security challenges within the Osun mining sector, conveying a stakeholders’ conference to develop security architecture and curtail inflow of suspected bandits into Osun mining sector.. Addressing the stakeholders involving...
How Operator Skill Can Double Mining Equipment Productivity
By Engr. Tokunbo AregbesolaIn mining operations, equipment performance is often discussed in terms of horsepower, bucket capacity, or payload. Yet one of the most influential factors in productivity sits in the operator’s seat. Two operators on the same machine can produce vastly different results, even under identical conditions. From an engineering perspective, mining equipment is designed with performance margins that...
Kogi Governor Flags Off Youth Mining And Jewellery Empowerment Programme
*Photo: Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo (middle) with the first set of beneficiaries* Kogi State Governor, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Monday flagged-off the Kogi Youth Mining and Jewellery Craftsmanship Empowerment Programme. Described as a strategic initiative of the Kogi State Government designed to equip young people with globally competitive skills in the mining and jewellery value chain, the governor said it...
Kano Assembly Committee Seeks Stronger Mining Sector, Improved Revenue Generation
*Photo: Kano StateCommissioner for Mineral Resources, Alhaji Hamza Safiyanu Kachako( left) and others during an oversight visit to the Ministry by the House of Assembly Committee on Mineral Resources * The Kano State House of Assembly Committee on Mineral Resources has pledged legislative support to strengthen the state's mining sector and boost revenue generation through effective oversight and collaboration with...
NASS calls for full release of mining budget to end oil dependency
By Maimuna KatukaThe National Assembly has called on the Federal Government to prioritize the solid minerals sector by fully releasing its appropriated capital budget.The lawmakers asserted that the industry holds the key to permanently moving Nigeria away from an oil-dependent economy.This call formed the core focus of the 2026 Ministerial Solid Minerals Retreat held on July 3, 2026, in...
Kogi Governor Orders Clampdown on Tax-Evading Miners
*Photo: Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo speaking on Friday during an inspection of a damaged road* Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has ordered a clampdown on tax-evading miners whose overloaded trucks have damaged the recently constructed GYB Junction–Zango–Zone 8 Roundabout Road in Lokoja, declaring that the destruction of public infrastructure in the guise of avoiding tax obligations will no...
