Segun Tomori (Nigerian Mining)

Nigeria is considering the development of a Mining Infrastructure Corridor to enhance the investment climate in the solid minerals sector, according to Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development.

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    Speaking on TVC on Monday, January 27, Tomori emphasised the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for both local and international investors, ensuring that Nigeria’s mining industry reaches its full potential.

    Addressing concerns about artisanal miners’ resistance to formalisation through cooperatives, Tomori noted significant progress since Minister Dele Alake assumed office.

    “As we speak today, we have over 250 registered cooperatives of artisanal miners. This demonstrates the willingness of miners to align with the ministry’s regulations,” he said.

    He also outlined the government’s carrot-and-stick approach in dealing with illegal mining, combining persuasion, enforcement, and incentives. He revealed that 2,570 Mining Marshals have been deployed across the 36 states and the FCT to enforce compliance.

    Boosting Exploration and Attracting Global Players

    Tomori stressed the urgent need for increased exploration funding, stating that only 5% of Nigeria’s landmass has been explored, yet 44 critical minerals have already been identified.

    “Imagine what we could discover if we explore 50% or 70% of Nigeria’s landmass. The potential is immense,” he remarked.

    To attract global mining giants like Glencore, Nigeria is working on governance reforms and investment-friendly policies. The recent visit of Glencore representatives to Nigeria is a sign of growing international interest in the sector.

    Tomori disclosed plans to ensure a private sector-driven Nigeria Solid Minerals Corporation similar to the NLNG model.

    “The proposed structure will see 25% equity allocated to Nigerians, 25% to the federal government, while the remaining shares will attract private sector participation,” he explained.

    The corporation’s board composition has been approved by President Tinubu, with an official launch expected in the coming weeks.

    Dele Alake (Nigerian Mining)
    R-L: Executive Secretary, Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), Hajiya Fatima Shinkafi, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe during the official unveiling of Nigeria Minerals Resource Decision Support System Software.

    Mining Infrastructure Corridor & Satellite Monitoring

    In order to address logistical challenges faced by investors, the ministry is collaborating with other government agencies to develop a Mining Infrastructure Corridor for efficient mineral transportation from remote mining sites to processing hubs.

    Additionally, plans are underway to integrate satellite monitoring to assist Mining Marshals in covering Nigeria’s vast mineral-rich regions more effectively.

    Tomori affirmed that the government is committed to building a world-class mining sector, ensuring that both artisanal miners and large-scale investors benefit from ongoing reforms.

    Tomori reiterated that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has prioritised mining as part of its economic diversification agenda, separating it from the oil and gas sector by creating a dedicated Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.

    “This administration is committed to positioning Nigeria as a leading mining destination, and the minister’s efforts have already sparked renewed enthusiasm both locally and globally,” he concluded.

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