Precious Anga
Lagos — The Federal Government has launched the Early-Stage Mineral Exploration and Research Grant Endowment (EMERGE) programme as part of efforts to deepen mineral exploration, strengthen geological research and accelerate value addition across Nigeria’s mining sector.
The initiative, unveiled in Abuja by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, is expected to support exploration activities, critical mineral development and research-driven innovation aimed at transforming Nigeria’s mineral resources into a stronger pillar of economic growth.
Speaking at the launch, Alake described the programme as a strategic intervention designed to unlock investment opportunities, improve the quality of geological data and promote the local processing of minerals, moving the sector beyond the traditional focus on raw mineral extraction.
He said the programme, being implemented through the Solid Minerals Development Fund, aligns with ongoing reforms aimed at positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the global minerals value chain while supporting the country’s broader economic diversification agenda.
According to the minister, EMERGE will operate through three key pillars: mineral exploration, critical minerals development, and research and development.
He explained that the exploration component will focus on generating reliable geological information to de-risk mining investments and improve investor confidence, while the critical minerals stream will support the development of strategic minerals such as lithium and rare earth elements that are increasingly essential to global clean energy technologies and industrial manufacturing.
The research and development segment will provide dedicated funding for geoscience and mineral-processing research in universities and research institutions, helping to strengthen local expertise and encourage innovation across the sector.
Alake noted that the initiative reflects a significant policy shift towards building domestic mineral value chains capable of creating jobs, attracting investment and increasing export earnings.
“For the first time, government support is extending beyond mineral extraction to include the science, technology and innovation required to process minerals into higher-value products within Nigeria,” he said.
He added that the programme is designed to support activities across the entire mining value chain, from early-stage exploration and geological studies to refining, beneficiation and industrial applications.
The minister disclosed that reforms within the sector have already attracted major investment commitments, including a proposed 1.5 million metric tonnes-per-year aluminium refinery project, which he described as one of the largest investments currently planned within Nigeria’s mining industry.
He further stated that the programme directly supports the ministry’s objective of improving geological data availability and promoting value addition, both of which remain critical to unlocking the sector’s full economic potential.
Alake assured stakeholders that grant awards under the programme would be based on transparent and merit-driven criteria, with independent experts assessing applications to ensure accountability and fairness.
He encouraged researchers, mining companies, entrepreneurs and investors to leverage the opportunities provided by EMERGE, noting that government would continue to provide technical support, advisory services and investment facilitation to qualified projects.
Earlier, Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund, Fatima Shinkafi, said the programme would strengthen efforts to attract investment into the mining sector while improving exploration outcomes and encouraging local mineral processing.
She emphasised that reliable geological information remains one of the most valuable assets in the mining industry, noting that quality data is essential for attracting investors, reducing exploration risks and unlocking the commercial potential of Nigeria’s vast mineral resources.
Industry stakeholders view the launch of EMERGE as another step in the government’s drive to reposition the solid minerals sector as a major contributor to national revenue, industrial development and long-term economic growth.
