The Federal Government has reiterated its stance of abandoning the long-standing practice of exporting raw minerals, saying it is repositioning the solid minerals sector to attract investments in local processing, manufacturing and value addition as part of efforts to accelerate industrialisation and create jobs.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said the new strategy would transform mining from a largely extractive industry into a key driver of manufacturing, infrastructure development and economic diversification.

Alake spoke on Thursday in Abuja at a press briefing ahead of the maiden Nigeria NOW Global Investors Expo 2026, where he was represented by the Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office, Obadiah Nkom.

The minister said the government’s priority was no longer centred on exporting unprocessed mineral resources but on building industries that convert Nigeria’s mineral wealth into finished products capable of generating employment and strengthening the country’s productive capacity.

He said, “The ministry’s approach is to move the sector from simple extraction and export of raw minerals towards a system that supports processing, manufacturing, employment and stronger linkages with other parts of the economy.”

Alake added that achieving the objective would require long-term investment, advanced technology and strong partnerships between government and the private sector.

He said, “This requires patient capital, technical expertise, modern equipment and partnerships that recognise both commercial interests and Nigeria’s development priorities.

“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.”

The minister stressed that mining development could not be pursued in isolation, insisting that reliable electricity, transport infrastructure, financing and stable regulations were essential for investors to succeed.

He said, “A mine cannot operate effectively without reliable power, roads, railways, processing facilities, access to financing and predictable regulation.”

He added, “In the same way, industrial development depends on a steady supply of raw materials, effective logistics and markets that can support production.”

According to Alake, this explains why the forthcoming investors’ expo would involve multiple ministries, including those responsible for industry, trade and investment, power, and petroleum resources.

He said, “The Expo covers areas that fall across several mandates, and no single ministry can address them in isolation.”

The minister said the Nigeria NOW Global Investors Expo, scheduled for November 19 and 20, 2026, at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, would provide investors with direct access to government institutions and commercially viable projects across strategic sectors.

According to him, the forum would also allow investors and government agencies to openly discuss the major challenges affecting project development.

He said the event would enable stakeholders to deliberate on “access to finance, infrastructure, licensing, data, technology, security and market access,” while identifying practical solutions to improve the investment climate.

Alake also highlighted the critical role of state governments, noting that mineral deposits are located within states and host communities whose cooperation is vital to project success.

The minister urged journalists to provide factual and balanced reports on the country’s investment climate and ongoing reforms in the mining sector

He also reassured investors that the Federal Government remained committed to improving coordination among public institutions and creating a more predictable regulatory environment.

Earlier, the organisers of the event, EnergyNet, said the Nigeria NOW Global Investors Expo was designed to become the country’s flagship annual investment platform, bringing together governments, investors, development finance institutions, technology providers and project developers to accelerate investments in mining, power, infrastructure, ports and other strategic sectors.

The organisers added that the event would feature a youth summit aimed at connecting young Nigerians with emerging opportunities arising from the country’s economic transformation.

Speaking on behalf of EnergyNet, Portfolio Manager and Head of Corporate Development, Abdoulaye Sylla, said the Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo is designed as a project-focused annual platform that will connect investors directly with government and project developers.

He explained that the initiative follows extensive market assessments indicating that Nigeria is now better positioned to attract increased foreign direct investment, with discussions expected to focus on strategic infrastructure projects and multilateral initiatives, including Mission 300.

Sylla disclosed that between 500 and 600 delegates from around the world are expected to participate in the inaugural edition, adding that EnergyNet has committed to making the Expo a long-term annual engagement in Nigeria.

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