Building the Mining Sector to be the Cornerstone of Nigeria’s Economy

Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, the Honorable Dr. Dele Alake, says the theme of this year’s Nigeria Mining Week: “From the Inside Out: Building the Mining Sector to be the Cornerstone of Nigeria’s Economy,” reflects the ministry’s “unwavering commitment to creating a mining industry that anchors national prosperity, supports sustainable growth, and fuels industrialization.”

The minister was addressing the media in Abuja recently on the eve of the ninth edition of the Nigeria Mining Week conference and expo, taking place in the Nigerian capital from 18 to 20 November at the Ajuba Continental Hotel. The event is organized by the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) in collaboration with PwC Nigeria and VUKA Group, while the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development is the official host.

According to Minister Alake, Nigeria Mining Week has evolved into more than a gathering of industry experts: “It is a powerful forum where we refine our shared vision, aligning our goals to create a robust, self-reliant mining sector. Guided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we envision an era in which Nigeria’s mineral wealth serves as the backbone of economic diversification, job creation, and community development, advancing our national interest for the benefit of every Nigerian.”

Mutually beneficial partnership
Addressing investors in particular, Dr Alake said the ministry’s aim is “to present Nigeria as a destination where investments are well-informed and reliable, we invite the world to engage in a mutually beneficial partnership that elevates our mining landscape to international standards.”

He added that the ministry was focused on establishing systems and structures that allow Nigerians to benefit directly from our resources: “Through local value addition, processing, and beneficiation, we aim to transform Nigeria’s mineral wealth into industrial and economic power, generating jobs and supporting local businesses in ways that ripple through our economy.”

At the core of this transformative agenda, Dr Alake explained, lies a dedication to precision and transparency in data. “Quality geoscientific data not only attracts investors but also enhances the credibility and stability of our sector.”

The minister also addressed the security challenges of the sector, particularly illegal mining: “We are intensifying efforts to protect our resources with robust surveillance and enhanced inter-agency cooperation, ensuring that every mineral extracted contributes to national development and strengthens investor trust in our mining landscape.”

Dr Alake added that artisanal and small-scale mining represents a cornerstone of their people-focused approach: “We’re working to integrate these miners into a formalized system that enhances their safety, improves profitability, and offers better access to technology.”

The event has stamped its feet
Representing the many Nigerian artisanal and small-scale miners is the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), one of the founding organizers of Nigeria Mining Week. Addressing the media, MAN President Dele Ayanleke expressed his thanks to the ministry and the other event organizers for sustaining the tempo of this annual flagship event.

President Ayanleke stated that “Nigeria Mining Week has stamped its feet on the sand of the Nigerian mining sector as the premium platform for the assessment of industry progress, setting the future agenda and showcasing the emerging technologies and methodologies, through the gathering of the widest arrays of international players of latest solution providers and expertise to unlock the potentials of our mineral endowments for wealth creation.”

World-class event platform
During the press conference in Abuja, Samukelo Madlabane, Director: of Mining at the event organizer VUKA Group extended a special word of thanks to the event’s advisory board and sponsors, many of which have been supporting the event since its inception. “Their generous commitment allows us to deliver a world-class event platform,” said Madlabane. “Their belief in the future of Nigerian mining fuels our efforts to connect stakeholders and drive industry growth.”