The Association of Solid Minerals Miners and Marketers of Nigeria (ASMMMON), Niger State Chapter, has formally inaugurated and sworn in its newly elected executives at a ceremony held in Minna on Tuesday, 9 December 2025.
Delivering the keynote address, the National President of ASMMMON, Dr. Vincent Mkpu, described the association as a national umbrella body established to unite, organize, empower, and regulate stakeholders and professionals within Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. He explained that ASMMMON brings together miners, quarry operators, mineral processors, marketers, dealers, and allied service providers across the country with the objective of promoting the sustainable development and responsible management of Nigeria’s mineral resources in line with national policies and international best practices.
According to Dr. Mkpu, “Our vision is to be a leading private-sector association in promoting the sustainable development and management of the solid minerals mining and marketing sector in Nigeria. Our mission is to enhance the overall growth and development of the solid minerals mining and marketing industry.” He emphasized that the association remains committed to supporting government efforts aimed at strengthening the sector and unlocking its economic potential.
Earlier in his remarks, the Vice Chairman, North Central States and the Federal Capital Territory, Alhaji Musa Mohammad, highlighted the association’s objective of fully integrating its members and affiliated companies into a unified body capable of contributing meaningfully to the growth of the mining industry. He noted that ASMMMON seeks to support government initiatives across the value chain, including exploration, mining, smelting, refining, fabrication, and the supply of goods and services to both local and global markets.
Alhaji Mohammad added that, as a promoter of the mining industry, the association is committed to sustainable and climate-smart mining practices, working in partnership with relevant organizations to position Nigeria as a major mining hub—first within Africa and ultimately on the global stage. He, however, appealed to the Federal Government to address the prevailing security challenges in the country with renewed seriousness and urgency in order to create a safer environment for mining activities.
In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated State Chairman, Hon. Mohammed S. D. Manbo, described his emergence as a call to service and responsibility. He pledged that his leadership would work diligently to address issues affecting citizens, particularly in rural communities, while fully supporting government policies and programmes in a lawful and transparent manner.
“We are committed to supporting innovative initiatives aimed at improving and boosting mining activities in Niger State,” Hon. Manbo stated. He urged all licensed miners, association members, and stakeholders to collaborate closely with the state government and ensure that all activities of the association are conducted strictly in accordance with the law for the collective benefit of all parties. He also emphasized the importance of community participation and assured that corporate social responsibility obligations, as provided under the Mining Act, would be fully observed.
The State Chairman further appealed to journalists in Niger State to maintain a cooperative relationship with the association, noting the vital role of the media in promoting transparency, public awareness, and sector development.
While administering the oath of office and allegiance to the new executives, Dr. Vincent Mkpu reminded the officials of the responsibilities attached to leadership positions, stressing that service requires discipline, sacrifice, and strict adherence to the association’s rules of engagement.
“You must serve with humility and obedience to leadership if you are to achieve meaningful and lasting results,” Dr. Mkpu advised.
The officials sworn in include the State Chairman; Vice Chairmen I and II; State Secretary and Assistant Secretary; Public Relations Officers I and II; Treasurer; Auditor; Legal Advisers I and II; and other executive members.
Highlights of the ceremony included the presentation of awards to distinguished members and key stakeholders in recognition of their contributions to the growth of the association and the solid minerals sector.
Speaking with The Guardian shortly after the inauguration, some of the newly sworn-in officials reaffirmed their commitment to operating in strict compliance with the provisions of the Mining Act and the association’s constitution. They also expressed confidence in the leadership of the State Chairman, describing him as a driving force behind the association’s growth and development, and pledged their full support toward achieving ASMMMON’s objectives in Niger State.