Tinubu’s reforms responsible for growth in Nigeria’s mining sector - Alake
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has attributed the recent growth recorded in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector to the economic reforms introduced by Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Alake noted
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has attributed the recent growth recorded in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector to the economic reforms introduced by Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Alake noted that the reforms have led to increased contribution of the sector to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), attracted more foreign direct investment, and enhanced Nigeria’s profile as a favourable destination for mining investments.
The minister disclosed this at the recently concluded Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Conference held in Toronto. He was represented at the event by the Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office, Obadiah Nkom.
According to a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, Alake reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with credible investors committed to responsible and sustainable mining practices.
Speaking at the 27th Annual African Mining Breakfast, a high-level platform that brings together African ministers, industry leaders and global investors to discuss strategies for unlocking the continent’s mineral wealth, the minister stressed the need for stronger collaboration among African countries to maximise opportunities within the sector.
Alake also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting value addition in the solid minerals industry, explaining that Nigeria is shifting from the export of raw minerals to encouraging local processing in order to maximise economic benefits for citizens and the national economy.
He further highlighted the importance of deeper cross-border integration within the mining industry, noting that structured agreements and coordinated policies among African countries would help unlock new opportunities for trade, investment and shared infrastructure development.
According to him, many projects across the continent fail to materialise due to a lack of coordinated infrastructure across borders, where critical facilities such as rail networks, power lines or processing plants may be located in neighbouring countries without a framework to connect them.
He therefore called on development finance institutions and strategic investors to go beyond funding isolated national projects and instead support regional infrastructure that links mining operations across borders.
Alake stated that Nigeria is prepared to anchor such regional mining corridors, citing the availability of geological data, policy reforms, and the political support needed to attract investment.
On the sidelines of the conference, the Nigerian delegation also held talks with Paula Caldwell to explore opportunities for strengthening commercial engagement between Canadian companies and Nigeria’s mining sector.
The meeting was facilitated by Pasquale Salvaggio, who emphasised the importance of expanding investment partnerships between Canadian firms and Nigeria’s solid minerals industry.
Discussions focused on an upcoming Canada–Africa business engagement initiative, including the proposed African Partnership Business Conference scheduled for May. Caldwell explained that the conference would serve as a platform to connect Canadian companies with investment opportunities and government stakeholders across Africa.
The four-day conference also featured high-level engagements with international mining executives, development partners, and prospective investors. These engagements aimed to showcase Nigeria’s mineral resources and ongoing reforms to improve transparency, strengthen geological data, formalise artisanal mining activities, and create a more competitive investment climate.
Members of the Nigerian delegation also participated in the International Mines Ministers Summit, which included representatives from countries such as France, Chile, Saudi Arabia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Canada, Egypt, and Australia, alongside organisations including the World Economic Forum.
