The Federal Government says it is repositioning Nigeria’s solid minerals sector to reduce dependence on exporting raw minerals and instead promote local processing, manufacturing and value addition.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, made this known on Thursday during a press briefing in Abuja ahead of the maiden Nigeria NOW Global Investors’ Expo 2026. He was represented by the Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), Obadiah Nkom.
According to Alake, the ministry’s goal is to develop a mining industry that creates jobs, drives industrialisation and strengthens the country’s economy through increased local production.
He explained that the government wants to move beyond the traditional model of extracting and exporting unprocessed minerals by encouraging investments in processing plants, manufacturing facilities and other value-chain activities.
“The ministry’s focus is to transform the sector from one centred on raw mineral exports to one that supports processing, manufacturing, employment and stronger economic linkages,” he said.
He added that achieving this vision would require long-term investments, advanced technology, skilled expertise and partnerships that balance commercial interests with Nigeria’s development goals.
The minister also urged investors to comply with existing laws, protect host communities and the environment, and maintain transparent relationships with government and stakeholders.
Alake noted that the success of mining projects depends on adequate infrastructure, including reliable electricity, roads, rail networks, financing and stable regulatory policies.
“A mine cannot operate efficiently without power, transport infrastructure, processing facilities, access to finance and predictable regulations,” he said. “Likewise, industrial development depends on a consistent supply of raw materials and efficient logistics.”
Speaking on the Nigeria NOW Global Investors’ Expo, scheduled to hold from November 19 to 20 in Abuja, Alake said the event would provide a platform for investors to engage directly with government agencies on bankable projects and ongoing policy reforms.
He said discussions at the expo would cover major investment challenges such as infrastructure, licensing, financing, technology, security and market access.
The minister explained that the participation of ministries responsible for industry, trade, power and petroleum resources reflects the need for collaboration in driving economic growth.
He also highlighted the critical role of state governments, noting that mineral resources are located within states and host communities.
“Effective collaboration between the federal government, state governments, investors and host communities is essential to reduce disputes, prevent delays and ensure that the benefits of mining are widely shared,” he said.
Alake assured investors that the government remains committed to creating a stable and predictable investment climate while improving coordination among relevant institutions.
He invited investors, financial institutions, technology companies, development partners and other stakeholders to participate actively in the expo.
Also speaking at the briefing, Abdoulaye Sylla, Portfolio Manager and Head of Corporate Development at EnergyNet, organisers of the event, said Nigeria has not attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) that matches the size of its economy despite its vast opportunities.
He described the expo as a flagship annual investment platform that will connect government institutions, investors, development finance institutions, project developers and technology providers around viable investment opportunities.
“Nigeria is ready for a new approach to attracting global investment. Nigeria NOW is designed to become the annual platform that brings together key stakeholders to accelerate investment and project delivery across strategic sectors,” Sylla said.
He added that the event will also feature a youth summit aimed at connecting young Nigerians with opportunities arising from the country’s ongoing economic transformation.
