Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Nigeria has intensified efforts to attract Japanese investment into its mining sector as the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, met with the President of the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security, JOGMEC, Mr. Michio Daito, in Yokohama.
Speaking after the meeting, Dr. Alake said discussions focused on how Japan, a country with growing demand for critical minerals, could partner with Nigeria to meet its needs.
He said, “I met with the President of the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security, Mr. Michio Daito, to advance discussions on Japanese investment in Nigeria’s mining sector. I highlighted President Tinubu’s reforms, Nigeria’s skilled workforce, improving infrastructure, and incentives such as tax holidays and duty waivers.”
Dr. Alake stressed that Nigeria was committed to ensuring value addition rather than merely exporting raw minerals.
“Japan requires critical minerals, and Nigeria is ready to supply them, processed locally in line with our value-addition policy. With the Nigeria Solid Minerals Corporation as partner, we agreed to strengthen technical exchanges and establish direct engagement,” he added.
The Minister said he also used the platform of the just concluded TICAD Business Expo and Conference in Japan to showcase reforms in the solid minerals sector.
He noted that policy changes in the last two years have already attracted significant investment.
“At the TICAD Business Expo & Conference in Japan, I had the opportunity to share what we’ve been doing in Nigeria’s mining sector. One of the most important steps we’ve taken is to move away from simply exporting raw solid minerals. Instead, our policy now focuses on adding value at home,” he explained.
According to him, the policy shift is yielding results: “In just the last two years, this approach has attracted about $800 million in investments for mining factories. Three major plants are already in place and getting ready for inauguration. This is a big step toward creating jobs, boosting government revenue, and building real capacity within the country.”
Alake emphasized that Nigeria’s doors remain open to genuine foreign investors.
“Nigeria is open to genuine partnerships with foreign mining companies. What we want are investors who are ready to do legitimate business, those who will help create jobs, pay their taxes, and transfer technology that strengthens our economy,” he said.
He assured potential investors of a friendly business environment. “At the same time, we understand the needs of investors, which is why the government ensures that foreign businesses can easily repatriate their profits when they choose to,” he stated.
Japan’s growing demand for critical minerals such as lithium and nickel aligns with Nigeria’s ambitions to position itself as a leading supplier while driving local beneficiation.
