Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has urged investors to scale up their investments in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, citing recent reforms that guarantee improved returns.
Speaking on the theme “Connect and Collaborate, Co-Build and Co-Share” at the China Mining Conference in Tianjin, Alake highlighted key security measures — including the deployment of Mining Marshals and a satellite-based monitoring system — aimed at safeguarding licensed miners and tackling illegal mining activities.
According to a statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, Alake noted recent technological upgrades designed to simplify business operations and application processes. These include the Electronic Mining Cadastre (EMC+), the Nigerian Mineral Resources Decision System, the Centre of Excellence, and enhanced digital platforms for the ministry and its agencies, all aimed at facilitating seamless global transactions in Nigeria’s mining sector.
Alake stated that investments in lithium processing alone have reached $1.3 billion since September 2023. He added that the Memoranda of Understanding signed by President Bola Tinubu during his state visit in September 2024 have already spurred significant investment commitments in Nigeria’s solid minerals industry.
Alake said, “Since September 2023, when this administration assumed office, Chinese companies such as Canmax Technology, Jiuling Lithium, Avatar New Energy Nigeria Company, and Asba have invested over $1.3 billion in lithium processing.
“The investments have boosted Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts, reduced its dependency on oil and attracted infrastructure, technology transfer, and expertise. Joint Ventures between Chinese and Nigerian companies in the mining sector often enhance local capabilities and skills among Nigerian workers and engineers.”
Alake, who currently chairs the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening continental cooperation in mineral exploration and reporting standards.
He emphasized that Africa must develop shared systems of knowledge and governance to fully harness its vast mineral resources.
He also reiterated plans to strengthen the regional Centres of Excellence in Geosciences and Mining Skills, while expanding the roles of the Solid Minerals Development Fundand the SMDF-AFC Facility to support early-stage exploration and de-risk investments across the sector.
“We warmly invite investors, development partners, and technical institutions to explore Nigeria’s vast opportunities in minerals such as lithium, gold, lead-zinc, barite, and rare earth elements.
“Our government offers a conducive investment climate, improved security of tenure, and incentives that guarantee mutual benefit.
“Nigeria’s vision is not only to extract minerals but to build a globally competitive value chain that supports clean energy transition, job creation, and industrial growth, all within the framework of responsible mining”, he said.
