Follow Us on Google
From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to attract foreign investment into Nigeria’s economy, with the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, declaring that the country is ready to welcome responsible investors willing to unlock opportunities across key sectors.
Alake spoke ahead of the maiden Nigeria Now Global Investors Expo 2026, scheduled to hold in November in Abuja, where he said the event would provide a platform for connecting viable Nigerian projects with global investors.
Represented by the Director General of the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), Mr. Simon Nkom, the minister said he accepted to serve as Patron of the expo because of its potential to reposition Nigeria as a preferred investment destination.
He assured that the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development would collaborate with the organisers to ensure that the event produces tangible investment outcomes and strengthens partnerships between government and the private sector.
According to Alake, the administration of President Bola Tinubu is implementing reforms aimed at expanding Nigeria’s economic base beyond oil through strategic interventions in mining, power, manufacturing, infrastructure, trade and investment.
He said the solid minerals sector was being repositioned from an industry focused largely on the export of raw minerals to one driven by value addition, local processing, manufacturing and job creation.
The minister emphasised that Nigeria was seeking investors with patient capital, modern technology and technical expertise, adding that such investors must be committed to compliance with Nigerian laws, protection of host communities and adherence to environmental standards.
He said the expo would offer investors direct access to bankable projects, government policies, investment incentives and partnership opportunities while providing a platform to address challenges affecting investment, including infrastructure, financing, licensing, technology, security and market access.
Other News
Alake noted that the involvement of ministries responsible for Industry, Trade and Investment, Power and Petroleum Resources demonstrated the Federal Government’s coordinated approach to economic development.
He added that state governments would also use the platform to showcase investment opportunities available within their jurisdictions.
The minister challenged organisers of the expo to focus on measurable outcomes, stressing that the success of the event should be assessed by actual investments secured and projects executed rather than the number of participants.
Earlier, Portfolio Manager and Head of Corporate Development at EnergyNet, Abdullahi Sylla, said the Nigeria Now Global Investors Expo was designed to showcase ongoing economic reforms and present investment-ready projects to international investors.
Sylla said the event would bring together development finance institutions, project developers, technology providers and investors from sectors including mining, energy, infrastructure and ports.
He added that the expo would feature a Youth Energy Summit aimed at promoting innovation, employment opportunities and youth participation in Nigeria’s economic transformation.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, represented by the Director of Mines and Environmental Compliance, Dr. Vivian Okono, urged media organisations to maintain accurate and professional reporting to build public confidence and support the success of the investment initiative.
The expo is expected to serve as a major platform for showcasing Nigeria’s investment opportunities and strengthening collaboration between government, local businesses and international investors.
