*laments nation's vast mineral resources untapped

*says sector's current 0.3% contribution to GDP unacceptable


The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu on Monday stated that insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of skilled labour have continued to act as bottlenecks hampering the growth of Nigeria's mining sector.

Kalu made the assertion while delivering his address at a Public Policy Dialogue on Nigeria's Minerals and Mining Legislation in Abuja.

He said that the nation's vast mineral resources have remained largely untapped, and undeservedly overshadowed by our too much reliance on oil.

Kalu said that despite boasting over 40 commercially viable minerals, the mining sector contributes a mere 0.3% to the country's GDP, saying it is unacceptable.

He therefore called all hands to be on deck to turn the tide.

Making reference to a Bill he co-sponsored with the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Solid Mineral, Hon. Jonathan Gbefwi titled Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (Amendment) Bill as well as eight other mining bills, Kalu said that the bills when passed into law will represent a turning point for the nation's mineral wealth.

The Deputy Speaker also noted that governments hold many of the levers to deal with the great challenges, adding however, that businesses have the innovation, technology, and talents to deliver the needed solutions.

Kalu also opined that the governing philosophy in the mining sector in Nigeria should henceforth be approached with a private-sector-led lens, stressing that it is through this crucial partnership that the true potential of Nigeria's mining sector can be unlocked.

He said "This public policy dialogue is engineered to create the appropriate right of way for the necessary adjustments and policymaking creativity that is required to optimize the promising prospects of Nigeria’s mining sector. Today, I stand before you not only as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives but also as a co-sponsor of the HB.751: Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (Amendment) Bill so ably sponsored by Hon. Jonathan Gbefwi. This legislation if passed will represent a turning point for our nation's mineral wealth.

"There are indications of a renewed vigor in our mining industry, fueled by a collective will to diversify our economy, create jobs, and unlock the immense potential that lies beneath our soil. The 2016-2025 mining industry development roadmap, aiming to increase the sector's GDP contribution to 3% by 2025, is already showing progress. Projects like the Segilola Gold Project in Osun state governed by a private-sector-led lens are injecting millions of dollars into our economy and attracting much-needed investment.

"To demonstrate this concisely, in the 3rd quarter of 2023, the Segilola Gold mine in Osun state, Nigeria’s first industrial-scale gold mine posted $118 million in revenue for its owners, Thor Explorations Limited after reporting $71.7 million in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) in 2022 according to its publicly available financial statements for 2022 and 2023. Initiatives like the simplification of licensing and competitive royalty regimes attract global players like Thor Explorations, showcasing the potential for an industrial-scale mining sector. However, challenges remain. Insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of skilled labor continue to act as bottlenecks. This is where the HB.751 and eight other mining-related bills currently under consideration come in.

"They are not just amendments; they are a comprehensive reform package designed to address these challenges and propel our mining sector into the future. Here's what these bills aim to achieve: Enhanced security: By fostering collaboration between mining companies, communities, and security agencies, we can create a safer environment for investment and development. Infrastructure development: We are committed to investing in critical infrastructure like roads, railways, and power, making mine operations more efficient and cost-effective. Skilled workforce development: We are building partnerships with educational institutions and industry leaders to equip Nigerians with the skills they need to thrive in this sector. Streamlined regulation: The new legislation will simplify bureaucratic processes, reduce red tape, and create a more transparent and predictable regulatory environment.
I urge all stakeholders– government, businesses, communities, and civil society– to join hands and work together to make this vision a reality. Let us leverage the power of partnerships, innovation, and technology to unlock the true potential of our mineral wealth. The time for action is now."

Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, member representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency has condoled with the  government and people of Zamfara over the killing of innocent people in Gusau, Maradun, and Bakura Local Government Areas of Zamfara.

Gumi described the killings as most unfortunate and occurring at a time when the people of Zamfara are beginning to enjoy relative peace.

"I wish to condole with the government and people of Zamfara, especially families of victims.

"Just when the people of Zamfara have begun to enjoy relative peace these enemies of the State struck."

He said he is saddened by the turn of events and call on the bandits to embrace peace, as violence will neither profit them nor the State.

"I am deeply saddened by the mindless killings of our people by suspected armed bandits. These killings are most unfortunate and I strongly condemned the killings.

Gumi, prayed Allah to accept the souls of those that loss their lives into Al-Jannah Firdausi and enjoined families of the victims not to lose faith in the peace initiative of Zamfara State Governor, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle.

"I call on families of all those affected by these attacks to take heart and remain steadfast and never to lose faith in thr peace initiative," he said. 

He urged citizens of Zamfara to support security agencies by providing timely intelligence report to help forestall future occurrence.
May Allah have mercy of the departed.

Vincent Samuel 
Press Secretary to Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi
Friday, April 23, 2020

HON. GUMI COMMENDS GOVERNOR MATAWALLE OVER RELEASE OF JANGEBE SCHOOLGIRLS

Honourable Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, member representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives has commended Zamfara State Governor, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle over the safe release of Jangebe schoolgirls who were abducted last Friday.

Gumi said he received the news of the release of the abducted girls this morning with great joy, adding that he has always known that Governor Matawalle will not rest until all the abductees were released.

"My heart was filled with joy when I got the information that abducted Jangebe schoolgirls have been released. I know that Dr. Matawalle will not rest until all those who were abducted regain freedom."

He said, Dr Mattawalle has again proved that his love and commitment to the security and well-being of the people of Zamfara are unwavering and that dialogue works better than military action.

"Governor Matawalle has again proved that his commitment to the security and well-being of his people is unwavering and that dialogue works better than military action."

While congratulating all the affected families who will soon be reunited with their daughters, he urged them not to give into fear but instead renew their commitment to the education of their children.

Samuel Vincent
Press Secretary to Hon Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi
March 2nd, 2021

HON. GUMI COMMENDS GOVERNOR MATAWALLE OVER RELEASE OF JANGEBE SCHOOLGIRLS

Honourable Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, member representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives has commended Zamfara State Governor, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle over the safe release of Jangebe schoolgirls who were abducted last Friday.

Gumi said he received the news of the release of the abducted girls this morning with great joy, adding that he has always known that Governor Matawalle will not rest until all the abductees were released.

"My heart was filled with joy when I got the information that abducted Jangebe schoolgirls have been released. I know that Dr. Matawalle will not rest until all those who were abducted regain freedom."

He said, Dr Mattawalle has again proved that his love and commitment to the security and well-being of the people of Zamfara are unwavering and that dialogue works better than military action.

"Governor Matawalle has again proved that his commitment to the security and well-being of his people is unwavering and that dialogue works better than military action."

While congratulating all the affected families who will soon be reunited with their daughters, he urged them not to give into fear but instead renew their commitment to the education of their children.

Samuel Vincent
Press Secretary to Hon Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi
March 2nd, 2021


https://www.nairaland.com/6440589/hon-gumi-commends-governor-matawalle

Honourable Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, member representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives has commended Zamfara State Governor, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle over the safe release of Jangebe schoolgirls who were abducted last Friday. 

Gumi said he received the news of the release of the abducted girls this morning with great joy, adding that he has always known that Governor Matawalle will not rest until all the abductees were released. 

"My heart was filled with joy when I got the information that abducted Jangebe schoolgirls have been released. I know that Dr. Matawalle will not rest until all those who were abducted regain freedom."

He said, Dr Mattawalle has again proved that his love and commitment to the security and well-being of the people of Zamfara are unwavering and that dialogue works better than military action. 

"Governor Matawalle has again proved that his commitment to the security and well-being of his people is unwavering and that dialogue works better than military action."

While congratulating all the affected families who will soon be reunited with their daughters, he urged them not to give into fear but instead renew their commitment to the education of their children.

Samuel Vincent 
Press Secretary to Hon Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi 
March 2nd, 2021

Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, member representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency has condemned the abduction of 317 schoolgirls of Government Girls Secondary School Jangebe in Talata Mafara LGA in the early hours of today,  Friday, February 26th, 2021.

He described the abduction as "unfortunate," while stressing that those bent on discrediting the peace initiative of Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle will fail.

"This is an unfortunate incident but I believe those who are hell bent in discrediting the peace initiative of Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle will soon be put to shame."

He commend the swift response of the combined team of military and police in the Zamfara and call on the abductors of the schoolgirls to refrain from abusing the peaceful deposition of Dr. Matawalle by releasing the girls immediately. 

Gumi noted that independent studies by the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) and Global Rights have confirmed the effectiveness of Matawalle's dialogue model as such for anyone to engage the services of unrepentant bandits for personal gain is a disservice to the people of Zamfara. 

He, therefore, urged the Governor to remain focused in implementing his peace initiative, adding that the good people of Zamfara are mindful of where they were and where they are today. 


Samuel Vincent 
Press Secretary to Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi 
Friday, February 26th 2021.

Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, member representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency has condemned the abduction of 317 schoolgirls of Government Girls Secondary School Jangebe in Talata Mafara LGA in the early hours of today,  Friday, February 26th, 2021.

He described the abduction as "unfortunate," while stressing that those bent on discrediting the peace initiative of Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle will fail.

"This is an unfortunate incident but I believe those who are hell bent in discrediting the peace initiative of Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle will soon be put to shame."

He commend the swift response of the combined team of military and police in Zamfara and call on the abductors of the schoolgirls to refrain from abusing the peaceful deposition of Dr. Matawalle by releasing the girls immediately. He also extends his sympathy to the parents and guardians of all the abductees and assured them of Matawalle's commitment in securing the release of the children

Gumi noted that independent studies by the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) and Global Rights have confirmed the effectiveness of Matawalle's dialogue model as such for anyone to engage the services of unrepentant bandits for personal gain is a disservice to the people of Zamfara. 

He, therefore, urged the Governor to remain focused in implementing his peace initiative, adding that the good people of Zamfara are mindful of where they were and where they are today. 


Samuel Vincent 
Press Secretary to Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi 
Friday, February 26th 2021.

Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, member representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives has called on Northerners and all other warring parties affected by the violent crisis that rocked Shasha market in Oyo State to remain calm and allow the State Government and law enforcement authorities to act appropriately. 

Gumi commends the timely intervention of Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State and expressed confidence in his ability to justly resolve the issue. Adding that leaders on both sides of the divide must act quickly to complement Governor Makinde's efforts. 

He said: "I commend Governor Seyi Makinde's timely intervention and believe in his ability to justly resolve the crisis. As a people, we must realise we already have so much to contend with; we must not allow minor misunderstanding to degenerate and compound our already existing complex insecurity challenge. 

"I called on Yoruba and Hausa leaders in the country to swiftly complement Governor Makinde's efforts by calling for restraint and forestalling reprisals in their localities."

While condemning the loss of lives as result of the crisis, the lawmaker sympathised with all the affected families. 

"I wish to condemn the deaths recorded as a result of the crisis, these deaths are avoidable if only we learn to tolerate ourselves. My heart goes out to families of the victims and all those who lost properties as a result of the crisis."

Samuel Vincent 
Press Secretary to Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi
Sunday, February 14, 2021

Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, member representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives has flagged off the construction of a secretariat for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The construction flagged off took place at the weekend in Gummi and is part of Hon. Gumi's contribution to strengthen the PDP in his constituency.

He said, "as members of the ruling party in the state, the onus is on us to contribute and support the efforts of our dear governor, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle in strengthening the PDP in Zamfara and the Northwest as a whole.

"The PDP should have a befitting edifice in every local government where it can call its own and that is what I am out to achieve on behalf of our teaming supporters."

Once this is completed, Hon. Gumi plans to replicate the same construction in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.

The event was witnessed by thousands of PDP supporters in the constituency and graced by the party's State Treasurer, Alhaji Siddi Dakitakwas; Zamfara West Zonal PDP Vice Chairperson, Hajiya Ai Maradun, Alhaji Ibrahim Ibrahim, the sole administrator of Gummi Local Government Area, Gummi PDP Chairman, Alhaji Hassan Galadima Gaftu, among other party stalwarts.

Samuel Vincent
Press Secretary to Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi
06 February, 2021

Member representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. (Engr.) Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi has launched the phase two of his empowerment and peace training programme.

The programme was launched in Gummi and Bukkuyum Local Government Areas of Zamfara State on Saturday, January 30th, 2021, and had a total of four hundred (400) youth beneficiaries comprising males and females, with two hundred (200) beneficiaries representing each Local Government Area.

A total sum of two million naira (N2,000,000.00) was disbursed to beneficiaries in the phase two of the empowerment programme.

Hon. Gumi hopes that the programme will help to address the problem of unemployment and poverty and promote self-reliance amongst youths in his constituency as well as complement the peace initiative of Zamfara State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle.

He charged the beneficiaries: "I urge you all to make the most of this training. Do not despise little beginning, use your cash to startup something small and become self-reliant. "He added, "we desire development but meaningful development will come when we have peace. Let's put to practice all that we will learn in the course of this training and this will ease the peace efforts of our Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle."

The peace training was organised in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR).

Samuel Vincent 
Press Secretary to Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi 
01 February, 2021

See wettin happen to APC for Zamfara for weekend when Buhari dey Katsina
https://www.nairaland.com/6395855/zamfara-apc-shrinks-7190-buhari

A total of seven thousand one hundred and ninety (7190) members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Zamfara State have dumped the party for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Their defection come few hours after President Muhammadu Buhari kick started APC membership revalidation exercise in his country home of Daura in Katsina State on Saturday, 30thJanuary, 2021.

The defectors who were mainly from Gummi Local Government Areas were received into the PDP by the party's State Treasurer, Alhaji Siddi Dakitakwas; Zamfara West Zonal PDP Vice Chairperson, Hajiya Ai Maradun and Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, member representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Other PDP stalwarts who joined to receive the defectors were: Alhaji Ibrahim Ibrahim, the sole administrator of Gummi Local Government Area and Gummi PDP Chairman, Alhaji Hassan Galadima Gaftu.

The defectors, who were made up of elders, women and youth leaders of over 30 unions from different wards including Brinin Majagi, Brining Tudu, Kungiyoyi Mazaban illela Auwal expressed happiness joining the PDP.


Samuel Ter Vincent 
Press Secretary to Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi 
01 February, 2021

Honourable Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, member representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives has called on journalists and media managers to stop going to press with unsubstantiated reports. 

Gumi believes journalism is a noble profession whose ethics must be respected by all those who practice the profession and or call themselves journalists. 

He wondered why Sahara Reporters would head to press without verifying a baseless allegation levelled against the Government of Zamfara State and the person of
Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle; insisting that best practice requires journalists and media managers to balance all reports where possible before going to press, regrettably, this very important requirement was violated even when the reporter had every opportunity to verify the allegations.  

The lawmaker noted that His Excellency, Governor Matawalle runs an open government in Zamfara. His commitment towards the return of peace to Zamfara is unwavering and has been in the full glare for Nigerians to see.  

He said at no point did Governor Matawalle reward repentant bandits with vehicles. He challenged all those with proof of evidence to show that the governor gifted vehicles to bandits to make them public. He said he knows how dear the people of Zamfara are to the heart of Governor Matawalle and how he is willing to get to any length possible within the law to see that they are protected.  

Gumi called on the Governor to remain focused and not to be distracted by the schemes of his adversary, adding that the days of politics are over and all and sundry must work in the overall interest of the Zamfara people. 

Samuel Vincent 
Press Secretary to Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi

Click to read on FB Page
https:///365VTeR