The Federal Government has called on local and foreign investors to support projects that will boost local processing and value addition in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector instead of focusing only on the extraction and export of raw minerals.
The appeal was made by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, during a press briefing in Abuja ahead of the maiden Nigeria NOW Global Investors’ Expo 2026.
Alake, who was represented by the Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), Obadiah Nkom, said the government is committed to transforming the mining sector into a major driver of industrialisation, job creation and economic growth.
According to him, the current strategy is aimed at ensuring that Nigeria benefits more from its abundant mineral resources through local processing, manufacturing and increased domestic production.
“The ministry’s approach is to move the sector from simple extraction and export of raw minerals towards a system that supports processing, manufacturing, employment and stronger linkages with other parts of the economy,” he said.
The minister explained that achieving this goal would require investors willing to provide long-term capital, modern technology and technical expertise while complying with Nigeria’s laws and environmental standards.
He also urged investors to maintain transparent relationships with government institutions and host communities to ensure sustainable development.
Alake stressed that the success of the mining industry depends on improved infrastructure, noting that reliable electricity, quality roads, rail transport, processing plants and access to finance are essential for mining projects to thrive.
“A mine cannot operate effectively without reliable power, roads, railways, processing facilities, access to financing and predictable regulation,” he stated.
The minister said the upcoming Nigeria NOW Global Investors’ Expo 2026, scheduled to hold in Abuja from November 19 to 20, will provide investors with opportunities to engage directly with government agencies on viable investment projects and ongoing policy reforms.
According to him, the event will also provide a platform to address key challenges affecting investment, including infrastructure, licensing, financing, security, technology and market access.
He noted that several ministries, including those responsible for Industry, Trade and Investment, Power, and Petroleum Resources, will participate because economic development requires collaboration across multiple sectors.
Alake also highlighted the critical role of state governments, explaining that mineral resources are located within states and host communities, making cooperation among all stakeholders essential for the success of mining projects.
He assured investors that the Federal Government remains committed to creating a stable and predictable investment environment that encourages long-term investments.
The minister therefore invited investors, financial institutions, technology firms, development partners and project developers to participate actively in the expo.
Speaking at the briefing, Abdoulaye Sylla, Portfolio Manager and Head of Corporate Development at EnergyNet, the organisers of the event, said Nigeria has enormous investment opportunities but has struggled to attract foreign direct investment that reflects the size of its economy.
He described the Nigeria NOW Global Investors’ Expo as a platform designed to connect investors, government agencies, development finance institutions, technology providers and project developers around bankable investment opportunities.
Sylla added that the event would also feature a Youth Summit, aimed at connecting young Nigerians with employment and business opportunities expected to emerge from the country’s ongoing economic transformation.
