At the 10th edition of Nigeria Mining Week 2025 (NMW25) held in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, spotlighted the remarkable progress redefining Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

Dr Alake revealed that the mining sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP has increased from less than 0.5% to about 1.8%, underscoring the impact of ongoing reforms.

The Ministry has digitised geological data, strengthened the Mining Cadastral Office, and launched Mining Marshals to combat illegal operations. These actions, he said, have boosted transparency and investor confidence across the value chain.

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According to the minister, government policy now prioritises local processing and beneficiation to retain value within Nigeria.

Efforts are also underway to formalise artisanal and small-scale miners, develop host-community agreements, and improve mining infrastructure—all aimed at fostering sustainable local participation and development.

Dr Alake explained that the creation of Nigeria Mining Week aimed to foster investment, policy discourse, and industry collaboration. Ten years later, NMW25 has evolved into Africa’s premier mining investment platform, showcasing Nigeria’s shift from resource potential to production power.

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Dr Alake concluded that with continuous reforms and strategic partnerships, Nigeria’s mining sector is on track to become a major pillar of national economic diversification and industrial growth.