From Mohammed Nasir Shuaibu BAUCHI
In a bid to build local capacity for its growing mining sector, the Bauchi State Government has inaugurated a Central Working Committee to design the framework for a new Mining Institute in Alkaleri (MIABAS). The move comes as the state seeks to address shortages of skilled manpower and increase value addition across its mineral value chain.
According to the information and public relations officer, Saleh Umar, said the committee, inaugurated at the Ministry of Natural Resources Development, is expected to develop a comprehensive establishment plan within three months.
According to the Commissioner for Natural Resources Development, Hon. Mohammed Maiwada Bello, the institute will serve as a specialised training hub for geosciences, mineral exploration, mineral processing, and environmental management. He said the initiative became necessary following increased mining activities and investors’ interest in Bauchi State.
Hon. Bello noted that the lack of technically trained personnel has remained a major barrier to harnessing the state’s vast deposits of solid minerals, adding that MIABAS would provide the skilled workforce required to support both large-scale and artisanal mining operations.
He added that the institute is envisioned to offer research opportunities that will support innovation, improve local content, and reduce dependence on external expertise.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Ibrahim Sulaiman Mato, described the committee’s inauguration as timely, stating that the mining sector holds the potential to become a major driver of economic diversification. He said the calibre of the committee members reflects the seriousness with which the state is pursuing the project.
Chairman of the House Committee on Mines, Bello Sarki Jadori, who delivered a vote of thanks, assured that the committee would work diligently to meet its mandate, while expressing appreciation to the governor and the ministry for the confidence reposed in them.
Committee Members
The committee is chaired by the Commissioner for Natural Resources Development. Other members include:
1. Hon. Bello S. Jadori – BAHA Committee on Mines
2. Alh. Sanusi Khalifa Rishi – Special Adviser, Solid Minerals
3. Alh. Garba Sabo – SSG’s Office
4. Geo. Buhari Salihu – BAMSEL
5. Bayas Andrawus Solomon – Ministry of Higher Education
6. Barr. M.U. Usman – Ministry of Justice
7. Shehu Adamu Gilas – Ministry of Finance & Economic Development
8. Mohammed Alhassan Ibrahim – Ministry of Housing & Environment
9. Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Maigari – Dept. of Applied Geology, ATBU
10. Alh. Nasiru Ahmed – Federal Mines Officer
11. Mal. Usman Yusuf Mohammed – Dept. of Geo-Tech, ATAP Polytechnic
12. Engr. Muhammad Saeed – Dept. of Geo-Tech, ATAP Polytechnic
13. Dr. Ahmad Suleiman Yero – Oil and Gas Academy, Alkaleri
14. Engr. Markus Daniel Bwala – Nigerian Institute of Mines, Jos
15. Alh. Bello Inuwa Galoji – MIREMCO
16. Alh. Musa Santurakin Pali – Miners Association of Nigeria
17. Rukayya Mohammed – Secretary
