Stakeholders have called on the federal and state governments, as well as large-scale farmers, to invest significantly in the exploration of solid minerals as a means of wealth creation and poverty eradication.
This resolution was reached at the 2025 African Mineral Summit and Exhibition held in Yola, Adamawa State, where policymakers, farmers, and industry experts deliberated on the need to harness the untapped natural resources available across the country.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Summit and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) of Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Professor Bashir Aliyu, emphasized the strategic importance of the event in addressing Africa’s economic challenges.
He highlighted that a renewed focus on agricultural and solid mineral value chains could help mitigate macro- and microeconomic constraints such as poverty and unemployment.
Professor Aliyu further stressed the importance of sustainable agricultural and solid mineral research, urging experts to intensify efforts in exploring these sectors for the benefit of society.
Similarly, the convener of the summit, Dr. John Yohannah Pakka, stated that the event aimed to bridge the gap in agricultural and solid mineral value chain development through grassroots productivity, financial inclusion, investment sharing, export trade expansion, and capacity building.
Dr. Pakka called for a shift from manual farming methods to mechanized techniques, arguing that adopting modern technology would significantly improve agricultural productivity.
He noted that developed countries have made remarkable progress in farming due to their investment in mechanization, which allows for high yields in both rainy and dry seasons. He suggested that farmers form cooperatives or clusters to collectively acquire advanced agricultural machinery to boost production.
Speaking at the summit, the Adamawa State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. John Ishaya Dabari, described the event as timely, emphasizing the urgent need to diversify the economy beyond crude oil exploration.
He also called for decisive action against illegal mining in the state and across the country, stressing that proper regulation and investment in the solid mineral sector could contribute significantly to economic growth and job creation.
