The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending the export of raw mineral resources, announcing a new strategy focused on local mineral processing, manufacturing, and value addition to drive industrial growth, create jobs, and diversify Nigeria’s economy.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, made the announcement during a press briefing in Abuja ahead of the Nigeria NOW Global Investors Expo 2026. He was represented by the Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office, Obadiah Nkom.
FG Targets Value Addition in Mining Sector
According to the minister, Nigeria is shifting away from its traditional dependence on exporting unprocessed minerals and is instead prioritising industries that can convert the country’s mineral resources into finished products.
He explained that the new policy aims to transform the mining industry into a major contributor to manufacturing, infrastructure development, employment generation, and economic diversification.
Alake noted that building a globally competitive mining industry would require long-term investment, advanced technology, and stronger collaboration between government and private investors.
Investors Urged to Follow Regulations
The minister stressed that investors interested in Nigeria’s mining sector must comply with existing laws, protect host communities, safeguard the environment, and maintain transparent relationships with government agencies.
He also pointed out that successful mining operations depend on reliable infrastructure such as electricity, roads, rail transport, processing facilities, access to finance, and stable regulatory policies.
According to him, sustainable industrial growth cannot be achieved without adequate logistics and dependable supplies of raw materials.
Nigeria NOW Global Investors Expo 2026
Alake disclosed that the Nigeria NOW Global Investors Expo 2026 will hold on November 19 and 20, 2026, at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
The event is expected to bring together investors, government agencies, project developers, and development finance institutions to explore investment opportunities across mining, energy, infrastructure, transport, ports, and other strategic sectors.
The expo will also provide a platform for discussions on key investment challenges, including financing, licensing, security, technology, infrastructure, market access, and regulatory reforms.
State Governments and Youth Participation
The minister highlighted the importance of state governments, noting that mineral resources are located within states and that cooperation with host communities remains essential for the success of mining projects.
He also encouraged journalists to provide accurate and balanced reports on reforms taking place within Nigeria’s mining industry to improve investor confidence.
EnergyNet Backs Long-Term Investment Initiative
Organisers of the event, EnergyNet, described the Nigeria NOW Global Investors Expo as a long-term annual investment platform designed to connect governments, investors, project developers, and technology providers.
According to EnergyNet, between 500 and 600 international delegates are expected to attend the inaugural edition.
The organisers also announced that the programme will feature a Youth Summit, aimed at connecting young Nigerians with opportunities in renewable energy, mining, infrastructure, and sustainable development.
Youth Energy Summit Nigeria Ambassador and Youth Sustainable Development Network co-founder, Damilola Hamid Balogun, stressed the importance of youth involvement in achieving Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan and the country’s net-zero emissions target by 2060.
The Federal Government expressed optimism that the new mining policy and investment drive would strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base, attract foreign direct investment, and position the solid minerals sector as a major pillar of economic growth.