As Nigeria’s mining sector continues to evolve, the Federal Government, through the Solid Minerals Development Ministry, on Monday, called on stakeholders in the mining sector to collaborate in unlocking the country’s vast mineral potential.

The government said that with progressive policies, strategic reforms, and a commitment to inclusivity, Nigeria is poised to become a global model for sustainable mining and economic diversification.

Permanent Secretary of the Solid Minerals Ministry, Dr. Mary Ogbe, disclosed this in Abuja at the opening of the 9th edition of Nigeria’s Mining Week Conference and Expo.

She said the programme aims to position the mining sector as a cornerstone of economic growth, community development, and global competitiveness.

This year’s conference, themed “From the Inside-Out: Building the Mining Sector to be the Cornerstone of Nigeria’s Economy,”brought together mining stakeholders from around the world to discuss strategies for boosting mining and economic diversification.

She noted the significance of the Energy Transition Minerals Development Policy, approved by the Federal Executive Council in October 2023, as a strategic move aligning Nigeria with global trends in sustainable energy.

She said: “As demand for minerals critical to the renewable energy sector, such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, continues to rise, this policy positions Nigeria to play a central role in the supply of these essential resources.”

Dr. Ogbe noted that although Nigeria is endowed with over 44 mineral resources, including gold, iron ore, limestone, and coal, inadequate investment and infrastructure have hindered their full exploitation.

Dr. Ogbe added: “Nigeria’s mining sector is advancing on a foundation of progressive policies, strategic regulations, and a commitment to inclusive growth.

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“With the Honourable Minister’s leadership in the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our Ministry is building a mining industry that contributes robustly to national development while upholding the principles of transparency, sustainability, and local empowerment.

“As we continue to implement these transformative initiatives, I encourage all stakeholders to collaborate with us in unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s mining sector—a sector that promises to be a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy and a model of sustainable growth for years to come.”

In her remarks, the Director of Investment Promotion and Mineral Trade at the Ministry, Dr. Esther Udo, stressed the transformative initiatives being implemented to reshape Nigeria’s mining sector into a hub of investment, innovation, and sustainability.

She said: “Policy clarity is the foundation of investor confidence. The Ministry is currently reviewing the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act to align with global best practices and emerging industry trends.”

She explained that the aim is to simplify processes, remove ambiguities, and make it easier for title holders to partner with serious investors or divest assets in a manner that maximises value.

Dr. Udo also highlighted the critical role of reliable geological data in decision-making. She noted that initiatives like the National Integrated Mineral Exploration Project (NIMEP) and the High-Resolution Airborne Geophysical Survey have generated extensive datasets, now accessible online.

She said, “These datasets enable title holders and investors to identify high-potential projects and de-risk exploration activities. To further enhance collaboration, the Ministry is encouraging title holders to leverage this data to attract serious investors willing to develop projects to full-scale production or enter into joint ventures for mutual benefit.”