By Joy Odor
The Federal Government has officially launched preparations for the 10th edition of the Nigeria Mining Week, scheduled to hold in Abuja from October 13–15, 2025, with a pledge to scale up the solid minerals sector into a globally competitive industry.
Declaring the event open at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo informed that Nigeria is ready for “responsible and profitable mining investment” anchored on its vast mineral endowment.
“Over the past ten years, Nigeria Mining Week has grown from a modest gathering into a flagship platform that convenes government, investors, operators, and development partners,” Alake said.
“As we enter the next decade, our focus is clear: to scale up the industry, ensure sustainability, drive value addition, and firmly position Nigeria as a globally relevant mining hub.”
The Minister stressed that the event aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which identifies mining as a key driver of economic diversification.
He highlighted reforms in licensing processes, legal frameworks, and investor partnerships aimed at making the sector safer, more transparent, and profitable.
With over 44 distinct mineral types across the federation, Alake said the government’s vision extends beyond raw extraction to beneficiation, value addition, job creation, and embedding global best practices in environmental and social governance.
Organisers disclosed that this year’s edition will bring together over 3,500 stakeholders, including policymakers, financiers, explorers, technology providers, and development partners, to review a decade of progress and chart new strategies for global competitiveness.
Dele Ayanleke, President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, noted that the event has been pivotal in driving reforms, boosting artisanal and large-scale mining, and introducing global best practices to the sector.
“Through the instrumentality of this event, the mining sector has achieved remarkable progress, from increased exploration to regulatory compliance and rising production of gold, limestone, and bitumen,” he said.
PwC Nigeria’s representative, Habeeb Jaiyeola, described the platform as critical for shaping dialogue, building consensus, and finding solutions to unlock the full potential of the sector.
Also , the Vuka Group’s Sam Ukelo disclosed that the 2025 edition will also spotlight opportunities in related industries such as power, steel, and infrastructure.
In her remarks, Mrs. Esther Udo, Director of the Institute for Project Management and Training (IPMT), said the event underscores Nigeria’s resolve to position mining as a central pillar of sustainable development.
“With our rich mineral endowment, we are presented with an immense opportunity to attract investment, foster innovation, and drive diversification,” she said.
The Nigeria Mining Week, first held in 2015, has evolved into the country’s foremost mining investment platform, bringing together local and international players to deepen opportunities in the solid minerals sector.
