The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, is poised to use the upcoming Nigeria Mining Week as a platform to promote the country’s critical minerals for domestic industrialisation, economic transformation and foreign investment.
This was revealed by the Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, during a pre-event press briefing announcing the 9th Edition of Nigeria Mining Week, scheduled from November 18 to 20, 2024.
Dr. Alake, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mary Ogbe, emphasised the significance of the Nigeria Mining Week in promoting critical minerals, which present significant opportunities for both domestic industrialisation and attracting foreign investment.
He noted that the event has evolved into the premier platform for stakeholders in the mining industry to engage in productive dialogue aimed at advancing the sector.
“The Nigeria Mining Week has grown to become the premier platform for stakeholders in the mining industry, both within Nigeria and across the globe, to gather and engage in meaningful dialogue about the limitless opportunities that Nigeria’s mining sector presents. This annual gathering has consistently served as a catalyst for advancing the discourse on the critical role our mineral resources play in driving national economic growth,” Dr. Alake stated.
He also hinted that this year’s conference theme will focus on harnessing Nigeria’s vast mineral wealth for economic transformation.
“The theme for this year’s conference, which we will reveal in the coming weeks, is centred on our shared commitment to utilising our vast mineral wealth to propel Nigeria’s economic transformation. This vision is in line with the Federal Government Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasises value addition, job creation, and positioning Nigeria as a strategic player in the global commodities market,” he added.
Additionally, discussions at this year’s Mining Week will cover key issues affecting the sector, including investment promotion, capacity building, technological advancements, and the necessity of a well-structured community development agreement.
National President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Mr. Dele Ayanleke, affirmed that the Nigeria Mining Week has fulfilled its motto as “The One Event Shaping the Nigerian Mining Landscape.”
“The Nigeria Mining Week also provides unparalleled exposure to large, medium, or small-scale industry players, showcasing the latest and emerging technologies and methodologies to enhance high returns on mining investments,” Ayanleke enthused.
In a goodwill message, Mr. Habeeb Jaiyeola, Partner in the Mining Sector at Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) Nigeria, emphasised that the event continues to serve as a forum where key progress, challenges, and development points for the Nigerian mining sector are addressed, with solutions aimed at ensuring mining becomes a source of shared prosperity for all Nigerians.
The 2024 Nigeria Mining Week, set for November, will be hosted by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, in collaboration with the Miners Association of Nigeria, PWC, and the VUKA Group.
