FG: Nigeria Now Expo to Deepen Solid Minerals Investment

The Federal Government is optimistic that the upcoming Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo 2026 will be instrumental in attracting new investments into the solid minerals sector, thereby deepening the nation's economic diversification efforts. The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, represented by Engr. Simon Nkom, Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office, expressed this view at a press conference in Abuja.

Alake lauded the conference as a positive development for the Nigerian economy, aligning with the government's agenda to expand investment opportunities across critical sectors, including mining, energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing. The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, as a patron, pledges continued support for the initiative to drive investment and promote sustainable growth within the sector.

Scheduled for November 19 and 20 in Abuja, the Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo 2026 is designed as a premier investment platform. It aims to highlight Nigeria's vast opportunities and forge stronger partnerships, particularly within the mining and energy industries. The event is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and EnergyNet.

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Permit me to indicate that the timing of the Expo is very important. Nigeria is working to broaden its productive base, reduce dependence on a narrow range of revenue sources, and create more opportunities through mining, power, manufacturing, infrastructure, oil and gas, trade and investment.

Minister Alake stressed the strategic importance of the expo's timing, coinciding with Nigeria's concerted efforts to broaden its productive capacity, lessen dependence on a narrow range of revenue streams, and generate new avenues for growth through mining, power, manufacturing, infrastructure, oil and gas, trade, and investment. He noted the interconnectedness of these sectors, emphasizing that effective operation in mining, for instance, relies heavily on reliable power, robust infrastructure, access to finance, and predictable regulations. Similarly, industrial development hinges on consistent access to raw materials, efficient logistics, viable markets, and a supportive business environment.

The government's overarching vision is to transition the mining sector from primarily an extraction-focused industry to one that actively supports mineral processing, manufacturing, job creation, and fosters stronger linkages with other economic sectors. Achieving this ambitious goal, Alake cautioned, will require patient capital, specialized technical expertise, modern equipment, and strategic partnerships that harmonize commercial interests with Nigeria's developmental priorities. Crucially, it also demands investors committed to legal compliance, environmental stewardship, community engagement, and transparent operational practices.

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These sectors are closely connected. A mine cannot operate effectively without reliable power, roads, railway, processing facilities, access to financing and predictable regulation.