By Hussaini Ibrahim Sulaiman
The Kano State Government on Monday inaugurated a 16-member advisory committee on mines and solid minerals as part of efforts to diversify the state’s economy.
The Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, inaugurated the committee in his office. He said the panel would advise the government on strategies for sustainable utilisation, excavation and commercialisation of solid mineral resources.
The committee, chaired by Gwarzo, is expected to submit its report within two weeks. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals, Mansur Yakubu, will serve as secretary.
Other members include former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Balarabe Sa’idu Gani; former Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Prof. Ibrahim Garba; AVM Halliru Labaran (retd.); Prof. Idris Muslim; and 10 others drawn from the academic, political and business communities.
Speaking at the inauguration, the deputy governor said the membership was carefully chosen based on merit and experience. He expressed optimism that the committee would help reposition the solid minerals sector to drive economic growth and job creation.
He said, “We expect this committee to work with transparency and commitment. Kano has huge mineral deposits that must be harnessed for the benefit of our people.”
The initiative, according to him, reflects the government’s determination to reduce dependence on federal allocations by tapping into the state’s untapped natural resources.