KADUNA — The Kaduna State government has signed two Memoranda of Understanding with the Africa Finance Corporation, AFC, worth $500 million to develop the state’s solid minerals sector.
Governor Senator Uba Sani announced the agreements on Sunday after receiving the President and CEO of AFC, Mallam Samaila Zubairu, and his delegation in Kaduna.
The first MoU, between AFC and the Kaduna Mining Development Company, KMDC, establishes a strategic framework for identifying, developing and financing high-potential mining assets across the state, while preserving state ownership of mineral resources.
The second MoU, involving KMDC, AFC and the Jema’a Resource Project, JRP, provides a pathway for advancing the Gidan Waya mining project in Jema’a Local Government Area from exploration to commercial production. It will leverage AFC’s investment capacity and JRP’s technical expertise.
Governor Sani said the agreements mark a significant milestone in the administration’s drive to unlock Kaduna’s solid minerals potential and accelerate sustainable economic transformation.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning Kaduna as Nigeria’s premier investment destination through reforms, improved security, strong institutions and responsible resource development.
The governor disclosed that commercially significant deposits of Platinum Group Metals, PGMs, have been confirmed in the state, alongside gold, lithium, nickel, copper, cobalt, silver and rare earth elements.
According to him, the discoveries represent a defining moment in the quest to diversify the economy, deepen industrialisation and create sustainable prosperity.
Zubairu affirmed that Kaduna is building the right institutional foundations to attract long-term investment and drive industrial growth.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Anka Metals, Mr. Nere Emiko, said Kaduna is the first state-owned mining company in Nigeria to secure an exploration and development partnership with AFC.
The Director-General of the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, NGSA, commended Kaduna for being the first state to actively engage the agency throughout the resource discovery and exploration process, describing the state’s transparent and science-driven approach as a model for emulation.
Governor Sani invited investors, development finance institutions and industry leaders to partner with the state to unlock its mineral wealth, develop mining infrastructure, promote local value addition and build globally competitive industries.
Kaduna Govt, AFC Sign $500m MoUs To Develop Solid Minerals, Gidan Waya Mining Project
