The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has restated the commitment of the Federal government to transforming the mining sector into a cornerstone of the national economy.
Speaking at a press briefing on November 12, 2024, he previewed the 9th edition of Nigeria Mining Week, scheduled for November 18-20 at the Abuja Continental Hotel. This year’s theme, “From the Inside Out: Building the Mining Sector to be the Cornerstone of Nigeria’s Economy,” underscores Nigeria’s mission to leverage its vast mineral resources for economic growth, industrialization, and community development.
The Minister highlighted several ambitious initiatives, including the development of local processing facilities, with lithium and rare earth plants set to launch in Kwara, Kebbi, and Abuja by year-end. These efforts are guided by the “Renewed Hope Agenda,” aimed at creating value within Nigeria’s borders and reducing dependency on raw material exports. He also emphasized the importance of quality geo-scientific data in attracting investors, strengthening Nigeria’s position as a global mining destination.
Head, Press and Public Relations in the Ministry, Chinwe Ekwugha in a statement, said the Minister explained the agenda, saying that key policies supporting this vision include the establishment of the Nigerian Solid Minerals Company, the recent formation of Mining Marshals to curb illegal mining, and the integration of satellite surveillance for enhanced monitoring.
“Additionally, Dr. Alake noted progress in formalizing the artisanal mining sector, with over 250 new cooperatives registered by October 2024, providing artisanal miners access to technology and safety improvements.
“He opined that the upcoming Mining Week will bring together global investors, industry experts, and government leaders to discuss topics ranging from Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards to innovative financing for mining projects. It will also cover Nigeria’s future in the global mineral value chain, resource governance, gender inclusion, infrastructure, and capital markets, setting a new benchmark for industry.
In her address at the occasion, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Mary Ogbe, who was represented at the event by the Director (Human Resource Management), Mrs Ijeoma Idika, asserted that this annual Mining Week gathering fosters growth, transformation, and innovative solutions, essential to realizing Nigeria’s long-term economic aspirations. As the event draws near, she expressed optimism, underscoring that a robust mining industry could act as a catalyst for national economic resilience and opportunity.
Dr. Ogbe highlighted that the continued advancement of the sector not only strengthens the economy, but also creates a wealth of opportunities for sustainable development across Nigeria.
She acknowledged the essential role of the media in informing and shaping public perception of Nigeria’s progress in mining, adding, “Your coverage illuminates our achievements, highlights our challenges, and amplifies the aspirations we hold for a sustainable, vibrant mining sector. This partnership is invaluable as we reach citizens across Nigeria, sharing our goals for prosperity and long-term impact.”
The President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dele Ayanleke, ably represented at the occasion by Mr. Tope Adebanjo, noted the historic impact of Nigeria Mining Week on the nation’s mining landscape, recognizing it as the leading platform for evaluating industry progress and addressing future goals.
He, among other things, stressed that the Miners Association of Nigeria looks forward to a robust 2024 Mining Week gathering that unites stakeholders, showcases investment opportunities, and strengthens Nigeria’s mining industry as a core component of national economic development.
Reflecting on the event’s objectives, the Partner and Mining Sector Leader at Price Waterhouse Cooper (PwC) Nigeria, Habeeb Jaiyeola, noted that this year’s agenda addresses strategic priorities designed to boost the impact of Nigeria’s mining sector and foster growth, adding that key discussion topics will include:
Maximizing the potential of Nigeria’s brownfield and greenfield mineral assets for sustainable economic progress;
Defining the roles of local and state entities in mining, drawing from global experiences in mineral resource federalism; Reassessing Nigeria’s critical mineral assets with a focus on sustainable development and national security; Strengthening Nigeria’s mining finance ecosystem through capital market integration; Championing women in mining and fostering the junior mining sector in Nigeria; and Positioning Nigeria competitively in the global mining industry as the sector adapts to cleaner energy goals, net-zero emissions targets, and the rising demand for economic inclusivity and shared prosperity.
