The Nigerian government says the forthcoming 10th edition of Nigeria Mining Week will spotlight the country’s more than 44 identified solid minerals, positioning it as a premier destination for responsible and profitable mining investment.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, announced that this year’s event will take place from 13 to 15 October 2025 in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Faruk Yusuf Yabo, the Minister stressed that Nigeria is shifting from basic mineral extraction to building a fully integrated and sustainable mining ecosystem.
“With over 44 mineral types identified across the country, Nigeria is positioned as a leading destination for responsible and profitable mining investment,” Alake said.
He added: “Taking this role is not just symbolic; it reflects the government’s commitment to making mining a central pillar of Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda, as outlined in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The mining sector has been identified as one of the key drivers to diversify our economy away from oil.”
Alake noted that the government is implementing key reforms in the sector. “With our rich mineral endowment, Nigeria is ready for responsible and profitable mining investment. Our legal frameworks are being strengthened, licensing processes are being streamlined, and we are deepening partnerships to ensure that investors find both security and sustainability in our mining environment,” he said.
On this year’s theme, “Nigerian Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance”, the Minister explained: “This is not just a theme pulled out of thin air; it is the outcome of deep consultations with industry leaders including PwC, the BUA Group, and the Miners Association of Nigeria. It reflects our collective ambition to scale up, ensure sustainability, drive value addition, and firmly position Nigeria on the global mining map.”
He further highlighted that over the past decade, Nigeria Mining Week has grown from a modest industry forum into a globally recognised platform that unites investors, regulators, technology providers, and policymakers.
On expected outcomes, Alake stated: “This will not be a talk show. We are going to evaluate our progress, acknowledge our missteps, and chart a new direction. It is a results-driven event built on transparency, collaboration, and shared prosperity.”
Also speaking, the President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Dele Ayanleke, praised the decade-long journey of the event, describing it as “a transformative platform that has shaped policy, attracted investments, and formalised artisanal mining activities.”
He called for sustained collaboration to address infrastructure deficits, regulatory bottlenecks, and access to finance. “Let the 10th edition be not just a celebration, but a launchpad for a new era in Nigeria’s mining history,” he urged.
The Event Director at VUKA Group, Mr Samukelo Madlabane, reflected on the growth of Nigeria Mining Week from a 200-person gathering in 2016 to an internationally acclaimed event expected to host over 3,500 participants in 2025. “This year, we focus not just on mining, but on building interlinked sectors—power, steel, and infrastructure,” he stated.
The Executive Director of Administration and Finance at Kaduna Mining Development Company (KMDC), Aliyu Saidu, underlined the company’s commitment to sustainable mining practices and invited stakeholders to explore opportunities at their dedicated KMDC Deal Room.
“KMDC is honoured to sponsor the Deal Room, providing a dedicated space for investors and mining operators to connect and explore strategic opportunities,” he said.
Nigeria Mining Week, hosted by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, organised by the Miners Association of Nigeria, and held in partnership with PwC Nigeria and the VUKA Group, has established itself as the leading event for Nigeria’s mining sector.
PIAK