By Grace Oakhiena
The Edo State Government in its continued effort to broaden the Mining Industry through healthy competition that will create jobs, develop mining communities, and raise revenue generation for the State, has attracted the Cap9Consulting Firm as a new investor in the Mining Sector of the State.
The deal as articulated in a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Edo State Government with the Cap9Consulting to explore for gold, lithium, Iron ore and Titanium in the State, was sealed by the Edo State Government on Monday, 4th August, 2025. The signed landmark Joint Venture (JV) Agreement with the CEO of Cap9Consulting, Saheed Ahmed, which permits him to commercially exploit the State’s vast deposits of gold, lithium, iron ore, and titanium that falls within the State Government acquired licenses.
The agreement which will feature activities across the market value chain from the upstream to downstream, is expected to significantly raise revenue for the State, leveraging on the large-scale production and distribution of the minerals that will be explored by the Firm. The project is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, boosting local employment and skills development while making provisions for environmental protection, community engagement in adherence to global best practices in mining operations.
According to the Commissioner for Mining, Hon. Andrew Ijegbai, who played host to the Cap9Consulting Firm, said it is a leading mining and natural resources firm, which specializes in the exploration, extraction, and commercialization of strategic minerals. He reiterated the practical effort of the Sen. Monday Okpebholo’s Administration in positioning the State to welcome investors, who will contribute meaningful to its economic growth and not just harness her potentials and leave it bare; but use the vast minerals in the State to positively impact the State through job creations, infrastructural development, revenue generation, amongst others.
Hon. Ijegbai asserted that the partnership marks a major milestone in the State, saying, “This partnership with Cap9Consulting marks a major milestone in our efforts to harness Edo State’s vast mineral resources for economic diversification and industrial growth. With our abundant gold, lithium, and other strategic minerals, we are set to position Edo State as Nigeria’s mining hub, attracting investment and creating prosperity for our people.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Ese Martina Omoruyi added that the Ministry is working assiduously to curb illegal mining activities through its deliberate actions of creating the Mining Taskforce in the State and at community levels. She stated that the Ministry is working with security agencies to reduce insecurity in mining communities to the barest minimum. She assured the CEO of Cap9Consulting to be rest assured of the State Government efforts towards doing its part while ensuring a smooth partnership between them and urged the CEO of Cap9Consulting to develop a seamless reporting system that will allow for continuous routing briefing.
The CEO of Cap9Consulting, Ahmed appreciated the Ministry for the warm reception and smooth sailing in formulating the joint agreement, expressing enthusiasm to collaborate with the Edo State Government. In his words, “We are excited to collaborate with the Edo State Government to unlock the immense potential of its mineral wealth. Our expertise in mining and sustainable resource development will ensure that this project delivers long-term benefits to the State, the Nation, and all stakeholders involved.”
Following the signed agreement, the Ministry took the Company on a three-day field inspection to Akoko Edo Local Government Area which commenced on Wednesday, 6th August, 2025, to show proof of gold deposits by observing the work done by other partners of the State Government. After the inspection, the Ministry proceeded to show other untapped areas which can be explored by the Firm.
The partnership positions Edo State as a key player in the Nigeria’s Mining Industry, with the potential to become one of the largest commercial mining operations in the Country. It is expected that all these will in no distance time, bring the much-required deliverables to all stakeholders in the State.
R – L (front row): The Permanent Secretary of the Mining of Mining, Mrs. Ese Martina Omoruyi; the Commissioner for Mining, Hon. Andrew Ijegbai; the CEO of CAP9CONSULTING, Mr. Saheed Ahmed; with stakeholders at the engagement in Benin City.
