The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has stated that reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu have greatly enhanced Nigeria’s mining sector. These changes have increased productivity and attracted more Foreign Direct Investments.

A statement from the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, indicated that Alake pointed out the sector’s fast growth. He made these remarks through the Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office, Engr. Obadiah Nkom, during his address at the Prospectors and Development Association of Canada conference in Toronto.

Alake spoke at the 27th Annual African Mining Breakfast. This event gathers African ministers, industry leaders, and global investors.

He stressed the need for partnerships with reliable investors dedicated to sustainable mining practices in Nigeria. He also advocated for enhanced regional cooperation to tap into Africa’s vast mineral resources.

Alake highlighted the Federal Government’s emphasis on value addition. He explained that Nigeria is shifting from merely exporting raw minerals to focusing on local processing. This approach aims to deliver greater advantages to citizens and the national economy.

“Integration does not fail because Africa lacks frameworks. It fails because projects stall between borders. A mine may be viable in one country, but the rail link, the power line, or the processing facility sits across the border,” he said. He urged development finance institutions and strategic investors to support funding for regional linking systems. “Nigeria is ready to anchor such corridors. We have the data, the reforms, and political backing; all we need now is structured capital.”

During the PDAC event, the Nigerian delegation held a meeting with Ms. Paula Caldwell, Chairperson of the Canada–Africa Chamber of Business. Discussions centered on bolstering Canada–Nigeria business ties in the mining sector.

The meeting received facilitation from the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, HE Pasquale Salvaggio. It focused on the forthcoming African Partnership Business Conference scheduled for May. That conference seeks to link Canadian firms with investment prospects across Africa.

The four-day PDAC conference included high-level interactions with mining executives, development partners, and potential investors. These engagements showcased Nigeria’s mineral wealth and the ongoing reforms. Key efforts include improving transparency, enhancing geological data, formalizing artisanal mining, and fostering a more competitive investment environment.