The All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate for the Kano Central Senatorial seat in the general elections of 2023, Abdulsalam Abdulkarim Zaura, better known as AA Zaura, has referred to the country's solid mineral sector as the "new alternative to crude oil for Nigeria's Economic growth" as the country struggles with economic difficulties and looks to diversify its primary source of income.Speaking in Abuja, the multifaceted business magnate and philanthropist continued by saying that the solid mineral was a strong option that should be investigated if the Federal Government was sincere about pulling Nigeria out of its current economic dire circumstances.
Zaura revealed that he began with solid minerals and has extensive experience in a variety of industries, including renewable energy, oil and gas, real estate finance, and development.
"I started with solid minerals, and I can tell you that way back in 2003/2004, we mined tantalite and tourmaline instead of gold," he stated.
The only issue facing Nigeria is that, in addition to oil, we have a wealth of other resources that we either fail to recognize or refuse to acknowledge.
"That was because oil has been our primary source of income and we, or the government, have a tendency to lose focus or attention when it comes to these reliable mineral resources.
We are totally reliant on oil, but if we diversify, there are many other resources that will also provide us with a sizable amount of wealth. The solid minerals industry is the new oil that can bring in money for the nation.
For example, how much is a gramme of gold if you take it? A gramme of gold and a barrel of oil can never be compared. The gold price has undoubtedly increased, so if we may change our attention from minerals to resources.
"We need to concentrate on the mineral deposits that we have in Zamfara, Niger, and other states where we have a large deposit of gold," he continued. "By doing so, we will increase the country's revenue and income."
The lawmaker, who was born in Kano, emphasized that if the country wishes to benefit the industry, insecurity must be handled immediately.
"I firmly believe that politics is the reason behind the insecurity that those areas have experienced."
According to him, in order to combat the threat of illicit mining, which has prevented the industry from making a significant financial contribution to the country, the Federal Government must also exhibit a strong political will.
"Let me tell you, there are a lot of potentials in these places. Even if you go in there alone, no one will attack you or come looking for you back then.
"As time went on, people began to arrive from outside, more resources were found, and people began to exploit them. Eventually, this issue of insecurity surfaced there merely to scare people away from there. I could recall that it was during the time of Sani Yerima. We used to be in Zamfara, and nobody will tell you anything.
"The government must generate revenue from those resources; the resources it has lying around belong to it, not to individuals. That is how it should address insecurity."
"These are basic logics: in order to protect people and their investments and to draw in more investors, the government must take security seriously if it hopes to earn revenue from those resources," he stated.
Therefore, Zaura advises the government to create an environment that will draw investors to places where solid minerals are being discovered.
Nonetheless, he praised the Federal Government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for its dedication to reviving the industry in keeping with its election pledges.
"I observe that President Bola Tinubu's present administration is supporting the Ministry of Solid Minerals and is paying greater attention to the field of mineral resources.
"I believe that the Ministry of Solid Minerals and the mining industry are about to see a significant or beneficial development. He stated, "I can assure you that the opportunities and revenue it will bring will be amazing if government focuses on that."