The Nigerian government has announced that the country’s mining sector has recorded significant growth over the past decade, increasing its contribution to the national gross domestic product (GDP) from less than 0.5% to about 1.8%, with a target of reaching 3% in the coming years.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, during a pre-event press briefing in Abuja ahead of the 10th edition of the Nigeria Mining Week, scheduled for 13–15 October 2025. The event is being organised in partnership with the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), VUKA Group, and PwC Nigeria.
Dr Alake said the figures reflect tangible transformation within the sector, citing the rise in operational mines, increased private investment, and growing benefits to host communities.
“What once seemed far off — stronger data, higher investment, and more local processing — is now shaping the sector in real terms,” he said.
The Minister noted that this year’s conference theme, “Nigeria Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance,” captures the sector’s ongoing transformation under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This 10th edition is not just a celebration — it’s a landmark that reflects our journey from obscurity to opportunity,” he added.
Sectoral Reforms and Achievements under the Tinubu Administration
Dr Alake outlined several key reforms driven by the ministry, stressing that Nigeria’s mining sector is now guided by structure, innovation, and private investment. Among the major initiatives are:
- Strengthening of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) to stimulate private sector financing.
- Comprehensive geological mapping and data digitisation to improve transparency and investor confidence.
- Deployment of mining marshals to combat illegal mining and safeguard communities.
- Upgrading of the Mining Cadastral Office to ensure transparent and efficient licensing.
- Introduction of a new Solid Minerals Development Roadmap, focusing on beneficiation, infrastructure, and local content.
- Launch of the Nigerian Mineral Resources Decision Support System (NMRDS) — a digital platform offering investors access to geological data.
- Establishment of the Nigerian Mining Corporation to promote state participation in mining ventures.
- Introduction of new Community Development Agreement (CDA) guidelines to guarantee fair benefits for host communities.
“These reforms reinforce our commitment to making mining a key pillar of Nigeria’s economic diversification strategy,” Dr Alake said.
Stakeholders Commend Progress
The National President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr Dele Ayanleke, described the 10th edition as a milestone marking a decade of sectoral advancement.
“The Nigeria Mining Week has evolved into a trusted platform bridging policy and practice, operators and investors, and ideas and implementation,” he stated.
Mr Ayanleke praised the Ministry’s leadership for creating an enabling environment, noting progress in the formalisation of artisanal mining, exploration growth, increased foreign direct investment, and a surge in indigenous participation across minerals such as gold, barite, lithium, limestone, and bitumen.
He acknowledged that challenges persist — including regulatory bottlenecks, insecurity, infrastructure gaps, and limited access to finance — but described them as “opportunities to innovate, collaborate, and shape the next chapter of Nigeria’s mining evolution.”
Global Partners Endorse Nigeria’s Vision
Mr Kuda Tshinago, business manager at VUKA Group, expressed optimism about the future of Nigeria’s mining industry, saying the country had moved “from ambition to tangible impact” and was now positioned to lead Africa’s mineral transformation.
“We are bringing together Nigeria’s most influential policymakers, investors, and mining operators to chart the next decade,” he said.
“From the Kaduna Mining Development Company Deal Room to Nigeria Gold Day powered by SMDF, and the Steel Forum, this year’s programme will connect exploration to industry and mining to manufacturing.”
Similarly, Mr Habeeb Jaiyeola, Partner at PwC Nigeria, reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s mining development.
“This year’s theme is a bold declaration of Nigeria’s ambition. Over the past decade, technological integration, local empowerment, policy reform, and strategic partnerships have reshaped the sector. As trusted advisors with over 1,500 mining experts globally, PwC is proud to work with Nigeria to unlock the sector’s full potential,” he said.
The Nigeria Mining Week 2025 is expected to be a defining event for the nation’s solid minerals sector, bringing together thousands of delegates — including international investors, policymakers, and industry leaders — to map out strategies for the next phase of sustainable growth.