By:Miningreview

The ninth edition of the Nigeria Mining Week 2024 officially kicked off, with a pre-conference held yesterday, setting the stage for the official opening of the conference today (November 19) in Abuja. This year’s event marks a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s mining industry under the theme: From the inside out: Building the mining sector to be the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy.

This annual event provides a dynamic platform for fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development. It brings together key stakeholders from the government, business, and industry to engage in discussions on transforming Nigeria’s rich mineral resources into a major driver of economic growth and national prosperity.

The opening of the event started off with a series of high-profile addresses, including welcome remarks from the VUKA Group,PWC , and the Miners Association of Nigeria and addresses from Country Manager, Segilola Resources Operating Limited, and Honourable Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi, Chairman, House Committee on Solid Minerals, with several goodwill messages that highlighted commitments in transforming the mining industry.

The Ministerial Address by DR.Henry Dele Alake Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, outlined the government’s latest policies and initiatives aimed at revitalising the mining sector and positioning it for long-term growth.

Alake highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to drive the transformation of Nigeria’s mining industry through the seven-point agenda. Alake shared that this comprehensive framework, introduced last year, has served as a roadmap for tackling the sector’s most pressing challenges, such as illegal mining, inadequate infrastructure, and regulatory inefficiencies.

The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has implemented several policies and regulations over the past few years to promote a more structured, secure, and sustainable mining environment. Alake said by focusing on investor-friendly reforms and enhanced security measures, the ministry is laying the foundation for Nigeria’s mining sector to flourish and contribute significantly to the nation’s economic growth. “We are setting Nigeria’s mineral wealth on a path to growth, resilience, and international respect.

Tackling illegal mining

The transformation has bolstered Nigeria’s security framework to combat illegal mining, a significant threat to local communities and the country’s global mining industry standing. Alake said more than 2,000 trained mine marshals have been deployed across the country, which significantly reduced unauthorised mining activities. This initiative has led to the arrest of about 300 illegal miners, including foreign nationals.

“These efforts are a direct response to the longstanding challenge of illegal mining, which not only harms the environment but also deprives Nigeria of valuable resources,” said Alake. The minister acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s assistance, whose administration has made it possible for the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Ministry of Interior to work together effectively, ensuring that resources and personnel are quickly sent to safeguard mining areas and uphold law and order.

“The government has implemented policies and regulations to streamline the mining process and make it simpler for both domestic and foreign investors to traverse the industry, in addition to improving security. According to Alake, these improvements include better environmental standards, easier licensing processes, and investment incentives,” highlighted Alake.

The minister expressed optimism about Nigeria’s potential to utilise its mineral wealth to boost GDP and diversify the economy, citing the mining sector’s potential for job creation, industrialisation, and foreign exchange generation.

Alake emphasised that with continued investment in infrastructure—such as roads, railways, and power supply—Nigeria’s mining industry will be better equipped to reach its full potential. The ministry’s vision is to ensure that Nigeria’s mining sector is not only economically prosperous but also a model of sustainability and global competitiveness.