FG Woos Investors to Boost Local Mineral Processing

“The ministry’s approach is to move the sector from simple extraction and export of raw minerals towards a system that supports processing, manufacturing, employment and stronger linkages with other parts of the economy,” he said.

The Federal Government has urged investors to back projects that promote local processing and value addition in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector as part of efforts to reduce dependence on the export of raw minerals and accelerate industrialisation.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday ahead of the maiden Nigeria NOW Global Investors’ Expo 2026, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said the government is repositioning the sector to drive manufacturing, create jobs and deepen linkages with other productive segments of the economy.

Alake, who was represented by the Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), Obadiah Nkom, said the ministry’s strategy prioritises investment in mineral processing rather than the traditional export of unprocessed resources.

“The ministry’s approach is to move the sector from simple extraction and export of raw minerals towards a system that supports processing, manufacturing, employment and stronger linkages with other parts of the economy,” he said.

He noted that achieving the objective would require long-term investment, advanced technology, modern equipment and partnerships that balance commercial returns with Nigeria’s development goals.

According to the minister, investors must also comply with regulatory requirements, protect host communities and the environment, and maintain transparent relationships with government agencies and stakeholders.

Alake stressed that mining cannot thrive without complementary investments in critical infrastructure, including power, transport and finance.

“A mine cannot operate effectively without reliable power, roads, railways, processing facilities, access to financing and predictable regulation,” he said, adding that sustainable industrial growth also depends on efficient logistics and a steady supply of raw materials.

The minister said the Nigeria NOW Global Investors’ Expo, scheduled for November 19–20 in Abuja, will provide a platform for investors to engage directly with government institutions on bankable projects and ongoing policy reforms.

He added that the forum would address key investment challenges, including infrastructure gaps, licensing, financing, technology, security and market access.

Alake also highlighted the role of state governments in attracting investment, noting that mineral deposits are located within states and host communities.

He said stronger collaboration among the federal and state governments, investors and host communities would help minimise disputes, speed up project implementation and ensure that mining benefits are widely shared.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving the investment climate, Alake invited investors, financial institutions, technology firms, development partners and other stakeholders to participate in the expo.

Also speaking, Abdoulaye Sylla, Portfolio Manager and Head of Corporate Development at EnergyNet, organisers of the event, said Nigeria has failed to attract foreign direct investment commensurate with the size of its economy despite its vast investment opportunities.

He described the expo as Nigeria’s flagship annual investment platform designed to connect government institutions, investors, development finance institutions, technology providers and project developers around viable investment opportunities.

Sylla added that the event would also feature a youth summit aimed at linking young Nigerians with opportunities emerging from the country’s economic transformation.