News
Montage Africa Mines Deepens Mineral Exploration with New Licence
Ibrahim Lawal
Montage Africa Mines and Solid Minerals Limited has secured a new Exploration Licence from the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (NMCO), strengthening its presence in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector and paving the way for expanded mineral exploration activities.
The newly issued Exploration Licence No. 72005 EL covers 20 square kilometres, comprising 100 cadastral units, across parts of Afikpo South and Ohaozara Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State. The licence authorises the company to undertake exploration activities targeting lead and zinc.
The latest acquisition marks another milestone in Montage Africa Mines’ growing portfolio of mining and exploration interests in Nigeria and other parts of Africa, as the company continues to expand its operations across multiple mineral commodities.
According to the company, the new licence will enable it to scale up its exploration programme and further assess the mineral potential of Ebonyi State, particularly in the areas covered by the newly granted licence.
Montage Africa Mines already has active interests in gold and baryte exploration and mining in Nigeria. The company has commenced gold mining operations in Niger State, while it is also undertaking exploration activities for gold and baryte in Cross River State.
With the addition of lead and zinc exploration in Ebonyi State, the company is broadening its mineral activities and strengthening its multi-commodity approach to Nigeria’s mining industry.
Lead and zinc are important industrial minerals with applications across several sectors, including construction, manufacturing, infrastructure, batteries and galvanising. Their exploration and potential development could therefore contribute to the supply of raw materials for domestic industries while supporting Nigeria’s drive to reduce dependence on imported minerals.
The company’s growing footprint comes amid renewed efforts by the Federal Government to attract private investment into the mining sector, promote local mineral processing and encourage greater value addition to Nigeria’s natural resources.
For Montage Africa Mines, the new exploration licence provides an opportunity to undertake detailed geological investigations and establish the quantity, quality and commercial viability of lead and zinc deposits within the licensed area.
The company is expected to deploy appropriate geological, geophysical and other modern exploration techniques as it progresses with its programme in Ebonyi State.
Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja the development, the company’s Director of Operations, Akeem Olanigan, said the expansion of Montage Africa Mines’ exploration and mining activities was part of its broader strategy to contribute to Nigeria’s economic diversification through responsible mineral development.
He said the company remained committed to creating jobs, attracting investment and promoting local value addition while developing Nigeria’s mineral resources in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Olanigan added that the company’s growing portfolio was designed to position Montage Africa Mines as a significant indigenous participant in Nigeria’s emerging mining industry.
The company’s current portfolio now spans gold mining in Niger State, gold and baryte exploration in Cross River State, as well as lead and zinc exploration in Ebonyi State.
The expansion is expected to strengthen Montage Africa Mines’ capacity to develop a diversified, multi-commodity mining business capable of supplying raw materials to domestic industries while contributing to Nigeria’s mineral export potential.
As exploration activities commence in the newly licensed area, the Ebonyi project could become an important addition to the company’s growing mineral portfolio and further enhance its contribution to the development of Nigeria’s lead and zinc value chain.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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