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Reforms, security measures, and technology upgrades position Nigeria as Africa’s top mining destination
From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dr. Dele Alake has called on global investors to take advantage of the country’s far-reaching reforms and invest in its rapidly expanding solid minerals sector.
Speaking on the theme “Connect and Collaborate, Co-Build and Co-Share” at the China Mining Conference in Tianjin, Dr. Alake outlined key government initiatives designed to attract foreign direct investment, strengthen security, and simplify mining operations through advanced technology.
In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, the Minister highlighted the introduction of the Mining Marshals and a satellite-based mines monitoring system, which have significantly improved the security of licensed mining operations while curbing illegal mining activities.
Dr. Alake also pointed to digital innovations such as the Electronic Mining Cadastre (EMC+), the Nigerian Mineral Resources Decision System (NMRDS), and upgraded ministry and agency websites as tools enhancing transparency, ease of doing business, and remote access for international stakeholders.
“Since September 2023, Chinese companies such as Canmax Technology, Jiuling Lithium, Avatar New Energy Nigeria Company, and Asba have invested over $1.3 billion in lithium processing in Nigeria,” Alake stated. “These investments are driving our economic diversification, strengthening infrastructure, and promoting technology transfer and local capacity building.”
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He further disclosed that Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) signed during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to China in September 2024 have already yielded substantial investment commitments in Nigeria’s mining industry.
As Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), Dr. Alake reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation in mineral exploration, data sharing, and governance. He announced plans to strengthen Centres of Excellence in Geosciences and Mining Skills and to expand the reach of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) and SMDF-AFC Facility to support early-stage exploration and de-risk investment.
“We warmly invite investors, development partners, and technical institutions to explore Nigeria’s vast mineral potential in lithium, gold, lead-zinc, barite, and rare earth elements,” he said. “Our government guarantees a conducive investment climate, security of tenure, and incentives that promote mutual benefit. Nigeria’s vision is not only to extract minerals but to build a globally competitive value chain that supports clean energy, industrial growth, and sustainable development.”
Representing Nigeria in the technical session on “Mining in Africa and Policy,” the Director-General of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), Professor Olusegun Omoniyi Ige, highlighted Nigeria’s National Mineral Resources Data System (NMRDS) and extensive aeromagnetic and geochemical datasets. He emphasised the need for continued investment to expand exploration and convert geological data into proven mineral resources.
Other speakers at the conference included Mr. Xu Xueyi, Deputy Director-General of the China Geological Survey; H.E. Mohamed Ahmed Taha, Minister of Minerals, Sudan; Ms. Phumzile Mgcina, Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, South Africa; and Mr. Joseph Lebbie, Director-General of Geological Exploration, Sierra Leone.
