Tinubu: Nigeria Must Harness Solid Minerals to Drive Industrial Growth, Shettima Declares in Nasarawa
Vice President commends Gov. Abdullahi Sule's leadership, lauds reforms in solid minerals sector as Diamond New Energy project is commissioned
By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, has declared that Nigeria must fully harness its vast solid mineral resources to drive industrialisation, create jobs, and build a resilient economy capable of competing globally.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Diamond New Energy Project in Nasarawa State, Shettima said solid minerals remain the enduring backbone of every thriving economy, stressing that no nation can achieve sustainable technological and industrial advancement without effectively utilizing its natural resources.
According to the Vice President, Nigeria stands at a defining moment where it must either transform its mineral wealth into engines of prosperity or continue to lose opportunities through poor industrial development and lack of innovation.
He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to repositioning the solid minerals sector through bold reforms aimed at encouraging investment, promoting local value addition, creating employment opportunities, and expanding Nigeria's productive capacity.
Shettima noted that while many countries with fewer natural resources have achieved remarkable economic success through technology, discipline, innovation, and strong institutions, Nigeria must move beyond merely celebrating its abundant mineral deposits to developing industries that process raw materials into finished products.
He described the commissioning of the Diamond New Energy Project as a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria, Nasarawa State, and the economic reforms being implemented by the Tinubu administration, adding that the project would strengthen local industries, create jobs, develop skills, and position Nigeria as a major player in the global minerals value chain.
The Vice President also praised the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Henry Dele Alake, for his courageous leadership and far-reaching reforms that have restored investor confidence and repositioned the sector for sustainable growth.
Turning to Nasarawa State, Shettima paid glowing tribute to Governor Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, describing him as a visionary leader whose commitment to peace, inclusiveness, and investment promotion has transformed the state into a national model for solid minerals development.
He said Governor Sule deliberately created an enabling environment that has continued to attract investors, noting that while nature deposits minerals, it takes purposeful leadership to attract investment and convert natural resources into economic prosperity.
The Vice President described Nasarawa as a miniature Nigeria where diverse ethnic and religious groups coexist peacefully, attributing the state's stability and development to Governor Sule's inclusive leadership style, patience, fairness, and ability to build bridges across political and social divides.
Speaking partly in Hausa, Shettima commended Governor Sule's humility, tolerance, and commitment to reconciliation, urging the people of Nasarawa State to appreciate his leadership and the remarkable progress recorded under his administration.
He also expressed confidence in the political future of Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, describing him as a vibrant leader capable of sustaining the development momentum already established in the state.
The Vice President concluded by calling on dignitaries and guests to give Governor Abdullahi Sule a standing ovation in recognition of his outstanding contributions to peace, development, and industrial transformation in Nasarawa State.
The commissioning of the Diamond New Energy Project marks another milestone in the Federal Government's drive to diversify Nigeria's economy through strategic investments in the solid minerals sector, in line with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
