Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has reaffirmed that Nigeria offers the best returns for global mining investors, stressing that ongoing reforms and strategic innovations have repositioned the country as Africa’s most attractive mining destination.
Speaking at the 2025 China Mining Conference in Tianjin, with the theme “Connect and Collaborate, Co-Build and Co-Share,” Alake outlined bold policy reforms and security improvements aimed at transforming Nigeria’s mining landscape into a global investment hub.
Reforms Driving Confidence in Nigeria’s Mining Industry
Highlighting recent milestones, the minister disclosed that the introduction of Mining Marshals and the satellite mine monitoring system has significantly enhanced security at mining sites nationwide.
These initiatives, he said, have reduced illegal mining operations, improved surveillance, and boosted investor confidence in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
He emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to diversifying the economy through solid minerals, leveraging Nigeria’s vast deposits to generate foreign exchange, create jobs, and expand industrial capacity.
According to a statement by his media aide, Segun Tomori, Alake stated that the ministry’s adoption of technology-driven systems has made Nigeria a model of efficiency and transparency.
These include the Electronic Mining Cadastre, the Nigerian Mineral Resources Decision Support System, and the Centre of Excellence—all of which provide seamless, remote access for investors across the globe.
“Our mission is clear: to build a transparent, technology-based mining ecosystem that ensures investors gain maximum value while Nigeria benefits from sustainable development,” Alake said.
Why Nigeria Offers the Best Returns for Global Mining Investors
Reiterating that Nigeria offers the best returns for global mining investors, Alake cited the country’s impressive mineral portfolio, with over 44 commercially viable deposits, including gold, lithium, nickel, lead-zinc, barite, and rare earth elements.
He noted that the government’s investment incentives, legal protection for investors, and ongoing infrastructure development make Nigeria a low-risk, high-reward environment for capital inflows.
He further disclosed that since 2023, foreign investments—particularly from Chinese firms—have accelerated Nigeria’s mining transformation.
Companies such as Canmax Technology, Jiuling Lithium, and Avatar New Energy Nigeria Company have collectively invested over $1.3 billion in lithium processing and related ventures.
“These partnerships are proof that Nigeria offers unmatched opportunities in mining,” Alake said.
“They have strengthened our diversification efforts, transferred technology, created jobs, and positioned Nigeria as a major player in the global clean energy transition.”
Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Local Value Addition
As chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, Alake also stressed the importance of continental collaboration.
He urged African nations to build shared frameworks for exploration, governance, and mineral reporting standards, ensuring Africa retains greater value from its mineral wealth.
He announced that Nigeria plans to strengthen regional Centres of Excellence in Geosciences and Mining Skills, while expanding the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) to support early-stage exploration and de-risk investments for both domestic and foreign stakeholders.
“Our goal is not just to extract minerals but to develop a fully integrated value chain that promotes beneficiation, sustainability, and clean energy,” Alake added.
Technology and Data: The Backbone of Modern Exploration
In a technical session on “Mining in Africa and Policy,” the Director General of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), Professor Olusegun Omoniyi Ige, highlighted Nigeria’s extensive geological datasets, which form a solid base for mineral exploration.
He explained that the National Mineral Resources Data System and the aeromagnetic and geochemical mapping programmes have improved understanding of the country’s mineral potential, but additional funding is needed to convert data into proven reserves.
“Nigeria’s mineral database is one of the most comprehensive in Africa. With more investor engagement, we can unlock massive value and drive regional development,” Ige said.
Global Partners Laud Nigeria’s Reforms
The conference, which brought together global stakeholders in mining, featured other notable speakers including Mr Xu Xueyi, Deputy Director General of the China Geological Survey; H.E. Mohamed Ahmed Taha, Sudan’s Minister of Minerals; Ms Phumzile Mgcina, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources; and Mr Joseph Lebbie, Sierra Leone’s Director General of Geological Exploration.
They collectively commended Nigeria’s bold policy direction, noting that the Tinubu administration’s commitment to regulatory clarity and investor protection aligns with global sustainability standards.
A Future of Shared Prosperity
Alake reiterated that Nigeria’s new mining policy framework represents a strategic balance between profitability, transparency, and sustainability.
With vast untapped resources and a reform-minded government, Nigeria is positioning itself as a magnet for global investors seeking long-term, high-yield opportunities.
“Nigeria offers the best returns for global mining investors because our model integrates security, data, and accountability. We are open for business—and ready to partner for shared prosperity,” he declared.
