FG moves to end raw mineral exports

The Nigerian Federal Government is pivoting away from exporting raw minerals, signaling a strategic shift to boost local processing, manufacturing, and value addition within the solid minerals sector. Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, stated that this new approach aims to transform mining from a purely extractive industry into a significant contributor to industrialization, infrastructure development, and economic diversification.

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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.

Alake, represented by Obadiah Nkom, Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office, explained that the government's priority is no longer the export of unprocessed resources. Instead, the focus is on building industries that convert Nigeria's mineral wealth into finished goods, thereby creating jobs and enhancing the nation's productive capacity. "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.

Achieving this ambitious goal requires substantial long-term investment, advanced technology, and robust partnerships between the government and the private sector. Alake stressed the need for "patient capital, technical expertise, modern equipment and partnerships that recognise both commercial interests and Nigeria’s development priorities." He also highlighted the importance of investors adhering to laws, protecting host communities and the environment, and maintaining transparency.

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This requires patient capital, technical expertise, modern equipment and partnerships that recognise both commercial interests and Nigeria’s development priorities.

The government recognizes that mining development cannot occur in isolation. Reliable electricity, efficient transport infrastructure, accessible financing, and stable regulations are crucial for investor success. The upcoming Nigeria NOW Global Investors Expo, scheduled for November 19-20, 2026, will involve multiple ministries to address these interconnected needs, providing investors direct access to government institutions and commercially viable projects across strategic sectors.

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A mine cannot operate effectively without reliable power, roads, railways, processing facilities, access to financing and predictable regulation.