The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has commended the Nasarawa government for supporting the ongoing construction of a world-class lithium factory.

Mr Alake commended the Nasarawa government during Governor Abdullahi Sule’s visit to his office on Thursday in Abuja.

He described Nasarawa as leading in deepening partnership with the federal government on developing the solid minerals sector.

He described Nasarawa as a critical partner in efforts to develop mineral resources.

“The governor has been very supportive of the solid minerals sector, not because his state is a solid minerals state, but because he’s an engineer.

“He understands the dynamics of the sector, and I commend his efforts,” he said.

He reiterated the government’s determination to boost Nigeria`s economic profile through the solid minerals sector and create an enabling environment for its progress.

According to him, a committee has been set up at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to coordinate security around the country`s natural resources, including minerals, forests, and the marine economy.

He added that the committee was required to give periodic updates to ensure timely and appropriate action.

He regretted the Tuesday night explosion in Ibadan, where illegal storage of explosives was said to be responsible for the incident.

No fewer than five persons were reportedly killed and 77 others injured in the blast. The explosion also damaged 58 buildings and 10 cars.

He urged the public to be patient with the ongoing investigations on the cause.

“We cannot rely on speculation, so we have to wait for an efficient forensic analysis of the unfortunate incident.

“But that also underscores the security around our country, generally, which Mr President has been very fastidious about,“ he said.

Mr Sule thanked the minister for facilitating Nasarawa`s acquisition of gold, tin, and lithium mining licences.

He said the visit was to update the minister on the progress of the lithium factory construction and discuss joint approaches to developing the mining sector in the country, particularly on securing mining sites.

(NAN)