Abuja: The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has emphasized the need for Nigeria to advance beyond mere extraction in its mining sector to fully harness its potential. This statement was made during a press conference marking the commencement of the ninth edition of the Annual Nigeria Mining Week held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Alake highlighted Nigeria’s rich possession of 44 minerals, including those critical for energy transition. However, he stressed the importance of moving beyond extraction to realize the sector’s full potential. “We are focused on establishing systems and structures that allow Nigerians to benefit directly from our resources,” he stated. He pointed out the government’s commitment to local value addition, processing, and beneficiation, with a vision to transform the country’s mineral wealth into industrial and economic power. This effort aims to generate jobs and support local businesses, creating a ripple effect throughout the economy.
Dr
. Alake revealed that lithium processing plants have been inaugurated in Nasarawa State, with plans to unveil more processing facilities near the Federal Capital Territory. He noted that value addition is gaining momentum due to the government’s determination to reposition the solid minerals sector to significantly contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). President Bola Tinubu’s administration is keen on implementing a value addition policy to ensure that mineral resources are not exported in their raw form, positioning Nigeria as a formidable player in the global mineral value chain.
Furthermore, Dr. Alake mentioned the administration’s focus on securing mineral resources by addressing illegal mining through both persuasive and coercive measures. He described the mining week as a unique opportunity to unite investors, experts, and government leaders globally to foster partnerships. The event aims to drive innovation, financing, and policy evolution while addressing current challenges and future oppor
tunities in Nigeria’s mining sector.
The event, themed ‘From the Inside Out: Building the Mining Sector to be the Cornerstone of the Economy’, demonstrates a collective commitment by stakeholders to create an improved mining industry. Dr. Alake outlined a vision for an industry that underpins national prosperity, supports sustainable growth, and drives industrialization.
Mr. Dele Ayanleke, President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), described the mining week as a platform to assess industry progress, set future agendas, and showcase emerging technologies and methodologies. Represented by the National Financial Secretary, Tope Adebanjo, Ayanleke expressed gratitude to their partners, Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) Nigeria and the Vuka, for their continuous support in developing the mining sector.
Habeeb Jaiyeola, Partner and Forensics Leader at PwC, emphasized that the mining week was designed to showcase the achievements of Nigeria’s mining sector to both international and local investors. He note
d that critical topics would be discussed to enhance Nigeria’s ability to compete globally, particularly with the shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the week is organized by the Miners Association of Nigeria and hosted by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.