FG: Nigeria Now Expo to deepen solid minerals investment

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Minister of solid minerals development, Dele Alake.

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By Gabriel Ewepu

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ABUJA — The Federal Government has expressed optimism that the Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo 2026 will attract fresh investments into the solid minerals sector and deepen economic diversification efforts.

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The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, represented by the Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), Engr. Simon Nkom, stated this on Thursday at the Nigeria NOW! press conference held at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

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Alake described the conference as a welcome development for the Nigerian economy, noting that it aligns with government’s efforts to expand investment opportunities across key sectors, including mining, energy, infrastructure and manufacturing.

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He said the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, as a patron of the event, would continue to support the initiative to drive investments and promote sustainable growth in the sector.

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The Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo 2026, scheduled for November 19 and 20 in Abuja, is a flagship investment platform designed to showcase Nigeria’s opportunities and strengthen partnerships across the mining and energy sectors.

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The event is being organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and EnergyNet.

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Speaking at the briefing, Alake said the timing of the expo was strategic as Nigeria works to broaden its productive base, reduce dependence on limited revenue sources and create new opportunities through mining, power, manufacturing, infrastructure, oil and gas, trade and investment.

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“Permit me to indicate that the timing of the Expo is very important. Nigeria is working to broaden its productive base, reduce dependence on a narrow range of revenue sources, and create more opportunities through mining, power, manufacturing, infrastructure, oil and gas, trade and investment.

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“These sectors are closely connected. A mine cannot operate effectively without reliable power, roads, railway, processing facilities, access to financing and predictable regulation,” he said.

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The minister added that industrial development requires steady access to raw materials, efficient logistics networks, markets and a favourable business environment.

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He assured that the ministry would continue to engage with the organisers beyond the press conference to maximise the opportunities provided by the expo.

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Alake said the government’s vision was to transform the mining sector from a largely extraction-based industry into one that supports mineral processing, manufacturing, job creation and stronger linkages with other sectors of the economy.

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He, however, stressed that achieving this goal requires patient capital, technical expertise, modern equipment and partnerships that align commercial interests with Nigeria’s development priorities.

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“It also requires investors who are prepared to comply with the law, protect host communities and the environment, and maintain transparent relationships with government and other stakeholders,” he sai

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The minister urged investors, project developers, financial institutions, technology companies, professional bodies, development partners and other stakeholders to participate actively in the preparations and the expo.

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Earlier, Portfolio Manager and Head of Corporate Development at EnergyNet, Abdoulaye Sylla, said the Nigeria NOW! initiative was designed as a project-focused annual platform that would connect investors directly with government and project developers.

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Sylla explained that the initiative followed extensive market assessments indicating that Nigeria was increasingly positioned to attract foreign direct investment.

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He said discussions at the expo would focus on strategic infrastructure projects and multilateral initiatives, including Mission 300.

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He disclosed that about 600 delegates from across the world were expected to attend the inaugural edition, adding that EnergyNet was committed to making the expo a long-term annual investment platform in Nigeria.

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Also speaking, Ambassador of the Youth Energy Summit (YES!) Nigeria and Co-founder of the Youth Sustainable Development Network, Damilola Hamid Balogun, stressed the importance of youth participation in achieving Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan and its net-zero emissions target by 2060.

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The event also recognised strategic partners supporting the initiative, including Nextier as Official Advisory Partner and The Electricity Hub as Official Media Partner, while the Nigeria Women in Mining and Resources Organisation (NIWIMNRO) received EnergyNet’s Leadership Award.

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