Nigeria’s Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has teamed up with HSENations International, organisers of Africa’s foremost safety awards, to launch the maiden edition of the Solid Minerals Excellence Awards (SOMEA). The initiative is aimed at celebrating outstanding contributions while advancing responsible and sustainable mining practices across the country’s solid minerals sector.
In a statement endorsed by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake, and signed by Mrs Esther Udo, Director of Investment Promotion and Mineral Trade, the ministry confirmed its full backing of SOMEA. The initiative, it noted, would foster excellence, innovation, and sustainability while improving Nigeria’s image in the global mining community.
Udo stressed that SOMEA complements the ministry’s strategic goals of encouraging responsible mining, economic development, safety, and ethical standards. She added that the event would serve as a platform for stakeholders to network, showcase achievements, and explore partnerships to further strengthen the sector.
The Director also praised HSENations, expressing confidence that the debut edition of SOMEA would establish a new benchmark for honouring excellence, stimulate adherence to global standards, and promote Nigeria as a prime mining destination in Africa.
HSENations CEO, Femi Da-Silva, thanked Minister Alake for his policy-driven commitment to repositioning the industry. He emphasised that SOMEA is more than just an awards ceremony, describing it as a driver of continuous improvement, innovation, and sector-wide recognition. “By honouring trailblazers in the sector, we hope to inspire progress and encourage best practices,” he said.
Da-Silva added that the collaboration between the ministry and HSENations represents a significant step forward for responsible mining in Nigeria and a pivotal opportunity for sector transformation. The first edition of SOMEA is scheduled for October 16, 2025, in Abuja, and nominations are now officially open.
