By Fatima Saka
In its Ninth Edition, the Nigeria Mining Week stands out as a significant initiative that has been influencing discussions on development both nationally and globally.
Scheduled to take place from Monday, 18th to Wednesday, 20th November 2024, at the Abuja Continental Hotel. This event has evolved into the foremost platform for stakeholders in the mining industry, fostering meaningful dialogues about the boundless opportunities within Nigeria’s mining sector.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Henry Dele Alake, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Mary Ogbe, highlighted the profound impact of this annual gathering.
He emphasized how it consistently acts as a catalyst for advancing discussions on the pivotal roles of mineral resources in propelling national economic growth. “The upcoming edition is poised to uphold this tradition at an elevated level, with the theme set to be unveiled in the coming weeks.”
The minister mentioned the ministry’s dedication to leveraging the abundant mineral wealth to drive Nigeria’s economic transformation. “This vision aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which underscores the importance of value addition, job creation, and positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global commodities market. Nigeria’s critical minerals, spanning from gold, lithium, and copper to rare earth metals, present significant opportunities for domestic industrialization and foreign investment, both crucial elements of the national development agenda.”
In Anticipation to drawing leading voices and decision-makers from various sectors of the industry, including local and international investors, experts, mining operators, and government officials, the Nigeria Mining Week 2024 aims to provide a platform for comprehensive discussions. Dr. Alake reiterated the essential role of stakeholders in deliberating on key issues affecting the mining sector, such as investment promotion, capacity building, technological advancements, and the significance of well-structured Community Development Agreements.
Moreover, the event will serve as an opportunity to demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to fostering a more conducive investment environment by enhancing transparency, improving data availability, and reinforcing regulatory clarity.
The minister further urged all stakeholders in the mining and related sectors to actively engage in the forthcoming edition, emphasizing the critical importance of their insights and contributions in unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s mining sector.
Continuing the discourse, Mr. Dele Ayanleke, National President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), represented by Mr. Ibrahim Yerima, underscored how this event has consistently attracted a diverse array of non-resident international participants over the years, whether as Sponsors, Exhibitors, Speakers, or Delegates.
He emphasized that the annual event has served as a unique platform for incubating ideas that enrich sectoral reforms and policy formulation, facilitated by the exchange of policy initiatives with other mining jurisdictions to enhance global best practices.
“The Nigeria Mining Week also offers a comprehensive showcase of the latest and emerging technologies and methodologies to enhance the return on mining investments for industry players of all scales.”
Also, Mr. Habeeb Jaiyeola, Partner and Head of Mining Sector Business Development at PwC Nigeria, highlighted that this year’s Nigeria Mining Week, themed “From the Inside Out: Building the Mining Sector as the Cornerstone of Nigeria’s Economy,” is strategically positioned to showcase the achievements of the Nigerian Mining sector to both the international community and local mining investors.
According to the PwC, the event aims to address the challenges currently faced by the sector and propose viable solutions to overcome them.
Having supported the mining sector over the years,
PricewaterhouseCoopers Nigeria has played a pivotal role in the evolution of the Nigeria Mining Week from its inception as the PwC Roundtable. Mr. Jaiyeola expressed satisfaction at witnessing the Nigeria Mining Week reach its 9th edition this year, emphasizing PwC’s commitment to supporting the industries and markets it serves.
He highlighted the mining sector’s potential to significantly contribute to the diversification agenda of the current administration and shift Nigeria towards a non-oil dependent economy.
“Acknowledging the Nigerian Government’s efforts in developing the mining sector, he expressed optimism for the prospects and opportunities it presents.”
