By Emma Peter
The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Princess Dr. Margaret Itake Elayo, has highlighted the importance of addressing issues affecting mining host communities as the state intensifies efforts to attract investments and promote sustainable economic development.
Elayo disclosed this after joining her principal, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, at an expanded meeting of the State Executive Council held earlier today.
According to the Commissioner, the expanded session brought together traditional rulers, government officials and key stakeholders to deliberate on matters considered critical to the economic development of the state.
She said those in attendance included His Royal Highness, the Emir of Nasarawa, the Osu Ajiri, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nasarawa State Investment Development Agency (NASIDA), as well as representatives of key stakeholders from Nasarawa Local Government Area.
“The expanded session included His Royal Highness the Emir of Nasarawa, the Osu Ajiri, the MD/CEO of NASIDA, and key stakeholders from Nasarawa Local Government Area, particularly representatives of host communities where mining activities are taking place,” Elayo said.
The Commissioner explained that particular attention was given to developments in communities hosting mining operations, stressing that such areas remain important to the state’s solid minerals development agenda.
She noted that issues concerning mining host communities fall within the responsibilities of her ministry, making sustained engagement with stakeholders essential for ensuring that mining activities contribute meaningfully to local development.
“Discussions centered on critical matters affecting the state, including developments in mining host communities which is under my ministry,” she stated.
Elayo further disclosed that the meeting also considered investment opportunities capable of strengthening the state’s economic base and creating avenues for sustainable development.
According to her, the discussions extended beyond the immediate concerns of the state to strategic investment ventures that could benefit Nasarawa through partnerships and investments within and outside the state.
She said the government remains focused on identifying and supporting investment opportunities that can unlock the economic potential of Nasarawa State while promoting sustainable growth.
The Commissioner added that the engagement provided an opportunity for government and relevant stakeholders to exchange ideas on strategic ventures and initiatives that could accelerate development across the state.
“Discussions centered on critical matters affecting the state, including developments in mining host communities which is under my ministry, investment opportunities, and strategic investment ventures within and outside Nasarawa State aimed at driving sustainable economic growth and development,” Elayo said.
The expanded Executive Council meeting underscores the Nasarawa State Government’s continued efforts to bring government, traditional institutions, investors and host communities together in addressing key economic and developmental issues.
The engagement also reinforces the administration’s focus on leveraging the state’s solid mineral resources and other investment opportunities as part of broader efforts to expand the state’s economic base and deliver sustainable development to its people.
