President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Nigeria’s mining industry into a cornerstone of economic growth and sustainable development. Speaking at the 9th Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja, the President emphasised the sector’s potential to fuel the economy and deliver shared prosperity for Nigerians.
Represented by the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, the President highlighted ongoing efforts to modernise the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act to align with global economic demands. “This legislative reform ensures clarity, transparency, and international competitiveness, making Nigeria an attractive destination for global investors,” he stated.
He outlined his administration’s vision for a mining sector driven by innovation and resilience, ensuring the country’s mineral wealth benefits every citizen.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, emphasised that the sector is central to the Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted significant progress in curbing illegal mining activities, with over 300 illegal miners arrested and prosecuted. Alake also praised the collaborative efforts of the executive and legislative arms, asserting that with continued support, the sector can drive Nigeria out of its current economic challenges.
Appealing for collective support, Alake urged Nigerians to back President Tinubu’s efforts to restore the country’s economy, drawing parallels with the success story of Lagos State.
The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaib Abubakar Audu, linked the Mining Week’s theme to the administration’s priorities of economic reform, resource-driven development, and industrial innovation. He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to harnessing Nigeria’s mineral resources to create jobs, promote technology transfer, and spur growth.
Senator Ekong Sampson, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, stressed the importance of collaboration between the executive and legislative arms to drive sector reforms. Similarly, Hon Jonathan Gaza-Gbefwi, Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, called for increased budgetary allocation to unlock the sector’s potential and address the country’s economic challenges.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, highlighted the sector’s economic contribution of ₦1.137 trillion (£3.86 billion) between 2007 and 2023. However, he noted its modest GDP contribution of 0.83% in 2022 and 0.75% in 2023. He recommended improving regulatory frameworks, transparency, infrastructure, and local capacity to maximise the sector’s potential.
President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Mr Dele Ayanleke, called for a comprehensive rebuild of the mining industry, urging the implementation of the Minister’s 7-Point Agenda to address governance and operational challenges. “If rebuilt effectively, the mining sector can become the cornerstone of our national economy,” Ayanleke stated.
