Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Federal Government has officially launched the 10th edition of the Nigeria Mining Week, pitching the country as one of the world’s most promising investment destinations in solid minerals, with reforms, incentives and a clear shift toward value addition.
The conference, themed “Nigerian Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance,” will take place in Abuja from October 13 to 15, 2025, bringing together policymakers, investors, technology providers and development partners.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, said Nigeria was entering a decisive phase in its mining journey, moving beyond potential to global competitiveness.
“Nigeria’s mining industry is no longer a hidden frontier. With over 44 distinct mineral types identified across the federation, the sector represents one of the most exciting investment destinations on the African continent,” Alake declared in his address, delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo.
He added: “Our legal frameworks are being strengthened, our licensing processes are being streamlined, and we are deepening partnerships to ensure that investors find both security and sustainability in our mining environment.”
Alake stressed that the decade ahead would focus on scaling production responsibly, embedding value chains within Nigeria, and ensuring that mining makes a measurable contribution to GDP, jobs and community development.
“Beyond raw materials extraction, our vision is clear: to promote beneficiation and value addition within Nigeria; to ensure mining contributes meaningfully to our national GDP, job creation, and community development; and to embed global best practices in environmental and social governance,” he said.
The Minister noted that since its inception, the Nigeria Mining Week had evolved into a flagship industry platform, linking government, operators and investors. This year’s edition, he added, will signal a new era of investor readiness.
“The decade ahead is not just about minerals potential and opportunities, but about decisive action and achieving global relevance. Nigeria welcomes those who will join us on this journey,” Alake said.
Industry stakeholders also underscored the forum’s role in attracting capital and fostering reforms. President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Dele Ayanleke, noted that the annual event had been central to sectoral progress.
“From increased exploration activities to the growth of artisanal and small-scale mining, and the emergence of larger mining operations, our sector has steadily evolved. Significant strides have been made in formalizing artisanal mining, improving regulatory compliance, and attracting both domestic and foreign investment,” Ayanleke said.
The private sector partners pledged to drive discussions that would unlock further value. PwC Nigeria’s Habeeb Jaiyeola said the forum provides “a critical platform for addressing current challenges and developing actionable solutions that will unlock the full potential of the sector for growth, inclusivity and global competitiveness.”
Similarly, Sam Ukelo of Vuka Group disclosed that over 3,500 participants are expected at the conference and exhibition.
“This milestone event will not only celebrate the past 10 years but also explore how we can unlock investment opportunities in power, steel, and infrastructure alongside mining,” he said.
