The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to draw foreign investment into Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, with a clear focus on ending reliance on raw mineral exports and promoting processing, manufacturing and broader industrial development.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development Henry Dele Alake announced the commitment on Thursday in Abuja at the launch of the inaugural Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo 2026. Represented by Mining Cadastre Office Director-General Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom, the minister also accepted the role of patron for the investment forum.
Alake said the expo supports the government’s goal of positioning Nigeria as a competitive destination for global capital. He pledged ongoing institutional backing from the ministry, working with organiser EnergyNet Limited and other agencies to deliver tangible investment results rather than ceremonial outcomes.
The minister emphasised that reforms now prioritise “patient capital,” modern technology and responsible investors prepared to establish value-addition projects instead of simply extracting and exporting unprocessed minerals. He stressed that participants must comply with Nigerian laws, protect host communities, safeguard the environment and operate transparently.
Officials from the ministries of Industry, Trade and Investment; Power; Petroleum Resources; and Solid Minerals Development attended, underscoring the cross-sector opportunities on offer. State governments are also expected to present bankable projects and infrastructure priorities to local and international investors.
EnergyNet Portfolio Manager and Head of Corporate Development Abdoulaye Sylla described the expo as a project-driven platform designed to link government institutions and project developers directly with global investors. He said market assessments show Nigeria is increasingly attractive for foreign direct investment, with discussions also set to cover strategic infrastructure and multilateral initiatives such as Mission 300.
Between 500 and 600 delegates from around the world are expected at the event, scheduled for 19–20 November 2026 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
Permanent Secretary Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo, represented by Director of Mines Environmental Compliance Dr. Vivian Okono, formally opened the launch. Ambassador of the Youth Energy Summit (YES!) Nigeria and Co-founder of the Youth Sustainable Development Network, Damilola Hamid Balogun, highlighted the need for youth involvement in delivering Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan and its net-zero emissions target by 2060.
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