Committee For Industrial Salt, Kaolin Production Inaugurated

By Georgina Humphrey

The Federal Government has inagurated a 10- man Committee to strengthen the mechanism for full scale and industrial production of Salt and Kaolin in the country.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and Steel Development, Dr Mary Ogbe stated during the Inauguration in Abuja.

Dr. Ogbe explained that the initiative to explore and exploit Salt and Kaolin, aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu led administration to increase domestic use capacity for export and boost employment opportunities.

‘‘In order to change the narrative and kick start the development of our nation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has challenged us to believe in our country and develop it as we do not have another country” she noted.

”It is this consideration that is behind the strong desire of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Oladele Alake to develop the exploration, exploitation and processing of salt and Kaolin in Nigeria for Nigeria’s use and subsequent export”.

“This will provide jobs for Nigerians, conserve foreign exchange and boost our economy.” Dr. Ogbe stressed.

The Permanent Secretary charged members of the committee to determine the extent of deposits, locations of brine, rock salt and Kaolin in Nigeria.

“I want you to Determine the number and viability of licenses issued for the exploration and exploitation of these minerals, Determine the cost of exploration of those sites to ascertain the quantum of the existence of brine, rock salts and Kaolin”.

Dr. Ogbe urged the Committee to Propose the way forward to actualizing the building of Salt and Kaolin Processing plants in Nigeria within a given time frame and also come up with any other recommendation that will assist the Government in taking proactive measures to develop the sector.

The Committee is chaired by the Director- General Council for Mining Engineers and Geoscientists of Nigeria, Prof. Zachaeus Opafunsho, while Director Special Duties Department in the Ministry, Mrs. Salamatu Umar, will serve as Secretary.

The Committee is expected to submit it recommendations on
or before 30th November 2023.

Edited By Grace Namiji