*If mining was about unlocking mineral value, this new office is about unlocking human potential.”
*Photo: Engr Shuaibu SK Bello*
In a short but defining period as Managing Director/CEO of the Kaduna Mining Development Company (KMDC), we moved from vision to structure, from intent to execution.
Within months, we were able to:
-Reposition KMDC from a passive asset holder to an active investment and project development vehicle
-Initiate strategic engagements with credible local and international investors
-Strengthen regulatory alignment and licensing pathways
-Structure commercially viable mining opportunities
-Build a transparent governance and operational framework for long-term sustainability
-Restore investor confidence in Kaduna’s solid minerals ecosystem
Most notably, we improved KMDC’s revenue performance from approximately 1% (2024) to over 47% (2025) and a 120% projection for 2026; demonstrating that with discipline, structure and accountability, state-owned enterprises can transition from symbolic entities to commercially viable institutions. This shift was not accidental but a result of strategic restructuring, tighter operational controls and investor-driven execution.
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering confidence of His Excellency, Sen. Uba Sani, a leader whose clarity of purpose and reform-driven mindset earned him the reputation of identifying and deploying solutions where they are most needed. I remain profoundly grateful for the trust he has consistently placed in me; from serving as Senior Special Assistant on ICT, to Managing Director/ Chief Executive of KMDC, and now Special Adviser on Students Matters. Such confidence reflects not only leadership foresight but a belief in versatility, adaptability and results-driven public service. I do not take that trust lightly.
I also sincerely appreciate the collaboration and institutional support received from the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office and all Security Agencies.
As well as our valued private sector and technical partners:
-Core International Group
-Lin Xing Minerals
-Trobell Mining
-DCX Global
-Rosebank Capital
-Kian Smith and Anka Metals
-Xcalibur Multiphysics
-Eltahdam
-Vuka Group
And several other strategic collaborators who believed in Kaduna’s mining renaissance.
Together, we laid foundations that will continue to yield value for Kaduna State long after this transition.
As I assume my new responsibility as Special Adviser on Students Matters to the The Governor of Kaduna State, I am deeply mindful that students are not just beneficiaries of policy, they are stakeholders in governance and leaders of today not just tomorrow. I look forward to working closely with student bodies across the country to build bridges of understanding, strengthen dialogue and foster responsible, visionary leadership on our campuses.
The expectation in this new office is clear:
• Build a data-driven engagement architecture for Kaduna students nationwide
• Strengthen student-government trust
• Align youth energy with human capital development
• Promote skills acquisition and digital competitiveness
• Uphold zero tolerance for cultism while fostering leadership and character
If mining was about unlocking mineral value, this new office is about unlocking human potential.
The work continues!!!
