The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has inaugurated the 10th edition of the Nigeria Mining Week with the theme `Mining from Progress to Global Relevance.`

Mr Alake announced the event at a news briefing on Thursday in Abuja, ahead of its commencement in October.

The Nigeria Mining Week is organised by the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) in partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the VUKA Group.

Represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Faruk Yabo, he said that Nigeria would focus on expanding the mining industry and ensuring its sustainability in the next decade.

He 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.’’

Mr Alake said the conference scheduled to be held from October 15 to October 17 would showcase the sector’s potential to local and international stakeholders, highlighting Nigeria’s over 44 distinct minerals as a prime investment destination in Africa.

He stated, “But beyond raw materials extraction, our vision is clear. To scale production responsibly, to build sustainable value chains, to promote beneficiation and value addition within Nigeria. To ensure that mining contributes meaningfully to our national GDP, job creation, and community development and to embed global best practices in environmental and social governance.’’

Mr Alake stressed that the government had identified the mining sector as one of the key drivers of economic diversification away from overdependence on oil.

He added, “With our rich mineral endowment, Nigeria is ready for responsible and profitable mining investment. Our legal frameworks are being strengthened, our licensing processes are being streamlined, and we are deepening partnerships to ensure that investors find both security and sustainability in our mining environment.’’

According to Mr Alake, Nigeria will host policymakers, financiers, miners, explorers, technology providers, and development partners who will review the past decade of progress.

He said the review would set the tone for the future and rightfully position Nigeria in the global mining community.

In his remarks, the National President of MAN, Dele Ayankale, said the event had remained the prime platform for incubating innovative ideas driving sectoral growth

It is also leveraged to introduce and showcase emerging global technologies and methodologies in mining jurisdictions

Mr Ayankale said that the mining week had, over the years, fostered business linkages and educated small-scale title holders and indigenous operators on global best practices alongside adherence to local operating standards.

According to him, the 10th anniversary of the week presents an enhanced platform for dialogue, partnerships and investment.

He said, “During this edition, we will further engage in initiatives that promote investment, enhance safety, support artisanal and small-scale miners, and drive compliance with global best practices. The event will also spotlight deal rooms, technical workshops, and strategic forums to encourage practical solutions and direct engagement between operators and investors.’’

In his remarks, the Event Director, Mining, VUKA Group, Samukelo Madlabane, said it was expected to draw 3,500 participants while it would focus on unlocking investment opportunities in related sectors such as power, steel and infrastructure.

On his part, Habeeb Jaiyeola, Partner and Head of the Mining Sector at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Nigeria, said the event would provide a critical forum for addressing current challenges and developing actionable solutions.

According to him, it is aimed at unlocking the sector’s full potential for growth, inclusivity, and global competitiveness.

(NAN)