The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has disclosed that reforms introduced by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the mining sector have begun to yield results, attracting over $2.6 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) within the last 30 months.

Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja during the commissioning of the Kursi Group Headquarters established by Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki Gambari, Shettima said the government’s efforts to de-risk the mining environment are reshaping the sector and prioritising local value addition as a key requirement for licensing.

According to him, Nigeria is no longer willing to remain a mere exporter of raw mineral resources, but is working towards becoming a hub for mineral refinement and industrial value creation.

“We are becoming a global hub for mineral refinement, beneficiation, and value-driven industrial growth,” the Vice President said.

He further noted that enterprises involved in processing lithium for the global green energy transition and refining gold to international standards within Nigeria would significantly strengthen the country’s industrial ambitions.

“Every nation that rises does so by mastering the value chain of its natural advantage. Every nation that commands respect in the world economy learns to convert resources into products, products into industries, and industries into national power,” he added.

Following the commissioning ceremony, the Vice President, alongside Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and other dignitaries, toured the Kursi Group facility, which includes a refining plant as well as a modern minerals marketing and tracking platform.

The event was attended by investors in the mining sector, as well as traditional and religious leaders from Kwara State and other parts of the country.