Could Nigeria be the next global destination for solid minerals investment? The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has urged international investors to expand their footprint in Nigeria’s rapidly reforming mining industry, assuring that recent policy and security upgrades will deliver higher returns. Speaking at the China Mining Conference in Tianjin under the theme “Connect and Collaborate, Co-Build and Co-Share,” Alake highlighted landmark initiatives such as the Mining Marshals for security enforcement and the satellite mines monitoring project—both designed to protect licensed operators and combat illegal mining.
According to Jocomms Reporter, the minister outlined Nigeria’s adoption of cutting-edge technology to improve transparency and ease of doing business. These include the Electronic Mining Cadastre (EMC+), the Nigerian Mineral Resources Decision System (NMRDS), and the upgraded online portals of the ministry and its agencies. He revealed that since September 2023, Chinese firms—Canmax Technology, Jiuling Lithium, Avatar New Energy Nigeria Company, and Asba—have invested over $1.3 billion in lithium processing, boosting Nigeria’s diversification agenda and strengthening its industrial base. Dr. Alake, also the Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), reaffirmed the continent’s need for shared governance and knowledge systems to maximize Africa’s mineral potential.
He further disclosed plans to expand the Centres of Excellence in Geosciences and Mining Skills, and strengthen the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) to support early-stage exploration. Inviting new investors, Alake emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to responsible mining, clean energy transition, job creation, and industrial growth. Will these reforms finally position Nigeria as Africa’s mining powerhouse on the global stage? Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
