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  • Tinubu congratulates Alake on re-election as Africa Minerals Strategic Group chairman

    Tinubu congratulates Alake on re-election as Africa Minerals Strategic Group chairman

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, on his re-election as the Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategic Group (AMSG).

    The President described the development as a strong endorsement of his leadership and pan-African vision.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said Alake’s re-election underscored the confidence reposed in him by his ministerial colleagues across the continent,

    President Tinubu noted that the AMSG has, under Alake’s leadership, continued to articulate a united African position on the management and beneficiation of the continent’s mineral wealth.

    Alake was first elected chairman of the forum in 2024 on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum, and was re-elected at the group’s 2026 annual general meeting (AGM) held alongside the same conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    President Tinubu said the AMSG, under Alake’s chairmanship, has emerged as a strong collective voice for African countries, advancing collaboration, safeguarding mineral resources, and positioning the continent as a strategic player in the global energy transition and the critical minerals value chain.

    Read Also: Alake re-elected chairman of Africa minerals strategy group

    The President also praised the minister for aligning the objectives of the continental body with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly efforts to unlock the country’s vast solid minerals potential, attract sustainable investment, create jobs, and ensure that mineral wealth delivers tangible socio-economic benefits.

    “I congratulate Dele Alake for sustaining the confidence and trust of his colleagues across Africa, who have renewed his leadership of their forum. His commitment and pan-African vision to ensure our continent derives the greatest benefits from our mineral resources are commendable,” President Tinubu said.

    The President noted that as Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Alake has pursued a reform agenda aimed at repositioning the sector as a major contributor to national economic growth.

    President Tinubu assured the Minister of the Federal Government’s continued support as he leads the AMSG to deepen cooperation among African nations, strengthen institutional frameworks, and promote transparency, sustainability and inclusiveness in the minerals sector.

  • Tinubu congratulates Alake on re-election as Africa Minerals Strategic Group chairman

    Tinubu congratulates Alake on re-election as Africa Minerals Strategic Group chairman

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, on his re-election as Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategic Group (AMSG), describing the development as a strong endorsement of his leadership and pan-African vision.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, the President said Alake’s re-election underscored the confidence reposed in him by his ministerial colleagues across the continent, noting that the AMSG has, under his leadership, continued to articulate a united African position on the management and beneficiation of the continent’s mineral wealth.

    Alake was first elected chairman of the forum in 2024 on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum, and was re-elected at the group’s 2026 Annual General Meeting held alongside the same conference in Riyadh.

    Read Also: Alake gets continental honour with re-election as AMSG chair

    President Tinubu said the AMSG, under Alake’s chairmanship, has emerged as a strong collective voice for African countries, advancing collaboration, safeguarding mineral resources, and positioning the continent as a strategic player in the global energy transition and the critical minerals value chain.

    The President also commended the Minister for aligning the objectives of the continental body with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly efforts to unlock the country’s vast solid minerals potential, attract sustainable investment, create jobs, and ensure that mineral wealth delivers tangible socio-economic benefits.

    “I congratulate Dele Alake for sustaining the confidence and trust of his colleagues across Africa, who have renewed his leadership of their forum. His commitment and pan-African vision to ensure our continent derives the greatest benefits from our mineral resources are commendable”, Tinubu said.

    He added that as Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Alake has pursued a reform agenda aimed at repositioning the sector as a major contributor to national economic growth.

    Tinubu assured the Minister of the Federal Government’s continued support as he leads the AMSG to deepen cooperation among African nations, strengthen institutional frameworks, and promote transparency, sustainability, and inclusiveness in the minerals sector.

  • Mining sector digitization triggers revenue increase, efficiency, global recognition – Alake

    Mining sector digitization triggers revenue increase, efficiency, global recognition – Alake

    Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake has attributed the giant strides recorded to digital reforms introduced to the sector by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration in the last two and a half years..

    He made this declaration in Abuja while inaugurating the OneGov Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS) at the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) – a critical agency under his Ministry.

    Alake, who was elated by the major breakthrough recorded by MCO, said that digital reforms are now powering “unprecedented revenue, transparency, operational efficiency” of the sector and global recognition.

    Describing the launch as “a monumental step that reflects the new colors of success, progress, and efficiency in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.”

    The Minister explained that the achievement underscores the decisive shift his administration has driven since the assuming office.

    “What the MCO has achieved today is symptomatic of the entire sector. We have made strident strides across every part of the solid minerals ecosystem,” he stated.

    Disclosing that government revenue from the sector had risen sharply due to digitisation, strict policy enforcement, and improved licensing processes.

    “When we came in, revenue was about ₦6 billion. We doubled that within a year. And this year, we are almost tripling it,” he said.

    He further said that the revenue of the sector jumped from ₦28 billion in 2024 to over ₦50 billion in 2025, a growth he attributed to the digitisation, transparency-driven reforms and stronger oversight.

    He then commended the MCO for eliminating bottlenecks and accelerating service delivery, adding that the transformation had restored investor confidence in the sector.

    He commended the MCO leadership for combining innovation with discipline, courage, and strong administrative structure.

    Commending Galaxy Backbone for powering the OneGov system, Alake also counseled the agency to ensure uninterrupted internet connectivity to prevent workflow disruptions.

    Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Faruk Yusuf Yabo, hailed the MCO for demonstrating “exemplary leadership and commitment to modernization in this age of AI and digital systems.”

    “As the first department under the ministry to go live, the MCO is raising the standard and providing the model for others to follow,” he said.             

    He stressed that the OneGov system is not merely an automation tool but a secure, intelligent digital backbone capable of transforming governance.

    “Our goal is to ensure every officer works smarter, faster and more securely, delivering greater value to citizens and investors,” Yabo added.

    For MCO Director General, Obadiah Simon Nkom, the scheme was a historic moment for government efficiency nationwide, adding that the digital achievements had earned the agency national recognition, including the NIRA Award for Best Digital and Innovation Agency.

    According to him, “This milestone is not just for the ministry or the mining sector. It is a milestone for the entire country.”

    He disclosed that the agency’s revenue rose from ₦6.17 billion in 2023 to ₦12 billion in 2024, and has already surpassed ₦30 billion in 2025, attributing the increase to strong ministerial support, reforms, and compliance-driven digitization..

    The Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone, Gana Nsuba, praised the MCO for “raising the bar” and aligning fully with the Federal Government’s OneGov Cloud agenda.

    “The MCO is demonstrating what is possible through leadership, collaboration, and digital courage,” he noted.

  • Alake: solid minerals sector has positively impacted economy

    Alake: solid minerals sector has positively impacted economy

    Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, yesterday said the serctor has improved.

    Alake said remittances from licensing fees to the federation account increased from N6 billion in 2023 to N12 billion in 2024 to N26 billion.

    Speaking at the groundbreaking of a $400 million Rare Earth and Critical Mineral Plant by Hasetins in Ukeh, Nasarawa State, he said this reflects impact of President Bola Tinubu’s reforms and a shift toward value addition.

    Alake noted that Tinubu has repositioned solid minerals as “the newest pillar of growth,” driven by a seven-point agenda under Renewed Hope that has boosted security in mining, attracted investors, and raised compliance with laws.

    Alake, who spoke through a video recording, said insistence on value addition, encouraging investors to process, smelt, and refine minerals locally, has ended the “dubious colonial absurdity” of exporting raw minerals at loss to communities and businesses.

    Nigeria’s leadership in this policy direction, he added, has earned the country the pioneer chairmanship of Africa Minerals Strategy Group, a continental bloc of mining ministers.

    He linked global technological shifts, especially rise of electric vehicles driven by climate-change imperatives, to increased demand for rare earth minerals.

    The minister described the Hasetins rare earth plant as “a testimony to the drive and will of Nigerians,” and a sign the country is ready to match nations that transformed from poverty to prosperity.

    He cited Dangote Refinery to gold processing by Segilola/THOR and lithium processing by Avatar and ASBA as proof Nigeria can refine and process its mineral endowments.

    Under Tinubu, he said, a “new era of economic prosperity” is emerging through strengthened value chains, financial reforms, and renewed national confidence.

    Read Also: ‘Leverage ‘Nigeria First’ policy for growth’

    He said Tinubu’s economic overhaul, including removal of fuel subsidy and tightening of financial leakages, has shifted the economy in favour of real producers of value and weakened rent seekers.

    Noting our relevance in global mining, he pointed to the World Mining Data 2025, which ranked Nigeria 24th of 166 in mineral production and 20th in monetary value, with $48.9 billion in 2023.

    He said the ceremony signals a revolution of renewal, anchored on self-reliance, value creation, and national pride.

    “Hasetins shall demonstrate that we can separate, process, and refine our rare earths,” he said.

    Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, said the sector, when well organised and linked to the wider economy, can deliver millions of jobs and lifttcitizens out of poverty.

    Onyejeocha said Tinubu’s agenda and role as chief investment officer have signalled that we are open for business and committed to job creation.

    She noted that Nigeria must generate at least 4.5 million jobs annually to keep unemployment levels steady, warning that failure to meet the target would deepen unemployment and underemployment.

  • Africa committed to setting agenda for sustainable gold, gemstone development – Alake

    Africa committed to setting agenda for sustainable gold, gemstone development – Alake

    The Chairman of Africa Minerals Strategy Group and Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has said that decisive steps are being taken by the continent to strengthen value addition, regional collaboration, and sustainable growth in the gemstones and gold value chain.

    He disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at a pre-event news conference ahead of the 4th African Gems and Jewellery Exhibition & Conference and the Gold & Gemstone Conference and Exhibition (AGJEC/GGCE 2025), scheduled to hold in Lagos.

    Alake noted that the conference with the theme, “Accelerating Collaboration for Sustainable Gold and Gem Development in Africa,” will be a reflection of a shared ambition to transform the sector for the benefit of all Africans.

    Stressing that a third of the global mineral resources are domiciled in Africa, but lamented that the continent earns only a marginal share of the world’s mineral value.

    READ ALSO: Major web outage hits X, Facebook, others amid widespread Cloudflare error

    Represented by the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund, Fatima Shinkafi, the Minister, however, said that the gap should be a major opportunity for growth and collective prosperity.

    The Minister then highlighted the ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which include enhanced transparency, accelerated geological data gathering, improved local refining and manufacturing, and the formalization of artisanal mining.

    He stressed that these reforms are targeted at safeguarding mining communities, increasing revenue, and making solid minerals a pillar of Nigeria’s industrial development.

    The Minister stressed that gold and gemstones hold immense potential to create jobs and empower women and youth, as the value of a polished gem or crafted jewellery piece can multiply significantly across the value chain.

    He then reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to responsible sourcing and certification and the transition from exporting raw minerals to producing world-class finished products.

    Commending Women in Mining in Nigeria for promoting inclusivity, the Minister promised the group government continued support for training, community development, and safer mining practices.

    On the details of the conference, Alake said “AGJEC/GGCE 2025” will feature technical sessions, mentorship programmes, and workshops designed to expand youth and women’s involvement in the industry.

    He added that the conference will also advance regional integration and help Africa maximise benefits under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

    The Minister then expressed optimism that the Lagos conference will further strengthen Nigeria’s path toward building a world-class minerals sector.

    President of Women in Mining in Nigeria, Mrs. Janet Adeyemi, said Nigerian women are emerging as key leaders in the mining industry.

    She also noted that natural resources of the continent must be managed responsibly for future generations and warned that excluding women, who constitute half of the population, undermines progress.

  • Hard times await illegal miners – Alake

    Hard times await illegal miners – Alake

    ….FG unveil plans to boost Mining Marshals’ capacity

    The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has warned that hard times await illegal miners in the country, as the federal government is poised to boost the capacity of the Mining Marshals

    Alake dropped the impending doom on illegal miners through his Special Adviser, Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan, while addressing participants of Course 34 of the Nigerian Defence College, Abuja, on the assessment of the solid minerals value chain and the impact on economic growth.

    Unveiling government plans to boost the capacity of the Mining Marshals, the Minister applauded the special intervention outfit for living up to their mandate of providing an enforcement agency for the sector.

    The Minister said scaling up the logistical strength in terms of vehicles, 6 weaponry will power the expansion of the agency’s operations to the 774 local governments and improve the security of mines and miners.

    READ ALSO; FG pays N18bn insurance to boost troops’ welfare

    He cited the reclamation of 90 sites from bandits and illegal miners, prosecution of over 300 suspects and monitoring of 450 sites threatened by illegal mining as part of the modest achievements of the Marshals within the space of one year.

    Responding to concerns over inter-agency rivalry with the Mining Marshals, Alake appreciated other military and security agencies, such as the Nigerian Army and Police, for the smooth collaboration that has enabled the Marshals to excel.

    He then highlighted the value chain of the solid minerals sector, which, according to him, includes licensing, exploration, community engagement, extraction, processing, and sales.

    He said the Seven-Point Agenda, the roadmap he (Alake) introduced as minister, has added value to the sector’s value chain by sanitising the sector and blocking financial leakages.

    On the revenue drive of the ministry, Alake said from N6billion in 2022, to N12 billion in 2024 and currently at N26 billion as of October this year, attributing the successes recorded to the raising of the bar of compliance with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.

    He said over 3,700 titles have been revoked for failing to pay annual service fees and failing to mine in line with the use-or-lose principle, adding that companies have been warned to comply with the Community Development Agreement and meet environmental obligations.

    To further position the sector for international competitiveness, Alake said the establishment of the Nigeria Solid Minerals Company has opened the door to investors ready for joint ventures.

    The Director, Information, Communications and Technology of the Nigerian Defence College, Air Commodore Olushola Oluokun, while responding on behalf of the participants, thanked the minister for the enlightening lecture which shed light on various subjects being studied by participants.

  • Tinubu is implementing far-reaching measures to combat terrorism – Alake

    Tinubu is implementing far-reaching measures to combat terrorism – Alake

    President Bola Tinubu’s administration is implementing several far-reaching measures to combat terrorism in Nigeria, combining military action with socio-economic initiatives and regional diplomacy

    Alake stated this during a News Conference hosted by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He explained that the insecurity in Nigeria did not start under President Tinubu or two years ago.

    “From the actions taken so far; from the platoral of actions, if such was taken ten years ago, we probably would not be where we are today.

    “Ranging from the changing of security architecture,  the top brass of our security agencies.

    “The change in 2023, change again few days ago; all these are to reinvigorate and re-inject  new enthusiasm and impetus into the fight against insecurity.

    “These are policies and actions emanating from deep exhaustive planning and strategising and they are yielding results.

    Read Also: Alake: Southwest contributes over N7b mining revenue in nine months

    “When you look at the last ten years and do a comparative analysis with the last two years, you will notice the tremendous efforts that this government has put in place and actions so far taken to stem the tide of insecurity.

    “Everyone knows that there is no deliberate targeting of any religion or persecution. Sometime, when these terrorists goes to attack, they don’t do it base on religion, rather it is base on either economic or political, ” Alake said.

    He added that ironically, some of those communities are inhabited by people of a particular religion, adding that,  to use the faith of the inhabitant to explain the motive of the attack is very wrong.

    “Such do not reflect the reality on ground”.

    He called on the media to stop propagating wrong narrative characterised by unbelievability happening in the country, but rather amplify the success of the armed forces in the fight against terrorism.

    (NAN)

  • Mining Marshals transforming sector, boosting revenue — Alake

    Mining Marshals transforming sector, boosting revenue — Alake

    The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development says the deployment of Mining Marshals has become one of the most impactful reforms in Nigeria’s extractive industry, significantly reducing illegal mining activities and increasing government revenue.

    Speaking at the South West Leaders Conference in Akure, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, noted that the Marshals have reclaimed more than 90 illegal mining sites and facilitated the prosecution of over 300 offenders, bringing stability and security to previously troubled mining communities.

    He explained that the initiative forms part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at building a business-friendly nation where lawful enterprise thrives.

    “The Mining Marshals have given us results. We no longer just talk about illegal mining — we’re taking it back, site by site. Today, communities are safer, legitimate investors are returning, and government revenue is rising,” Alake stated.

    According to the Minister, the impact of the Marshals and wider sector reforms is reflected in revenue figures, which grew from ₦8.6 billion in 2022 to ₦38 billion in 2024, with ₦30 billion already recorded for 2025. 

    He added that the South West region contributed ₦7.2 billion, underscoring its strategic importance in Nigeria’s mining landscape.

    Read Also: Alake: Southwest contributes over N7b mining revenue in nine months

    Alake highlighted major successes in the region, including the Segilola Gold Project in Osun State and hundreds of active quarry and exploration sites, describing them as signs of investor confidence.

    He also emphasised that mining companies are now required to sign Community Development Agreements (CDAs) before beginning operations, ensuring direct benefits for host communities.

    “In just two years, 45 South West communities have signed CDAs — more than double the number achieved in the previous fifteen years,” he noted.

    Looking ahead, the Minister said the next phase of reforms will focus on value addition, mineral processing, and deeper partnerships with the private sector to make mining a major engine of job creation and sustainable national development.

    “We are proud of the progress made, but even more determined about what lies ahead,” he added.

  • Schools charging tuition fees in foreign currencies should be closed – Alake

    Schools charging tuition fees in foreign currencies should be closed – Alake

    The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake says Schools in Nigeria charging tuition fees in foreign currencies should be closed.

    Alake made the call at the Nigeria Gold Day Celebration on the sidelines of the 10th edition of Nigeria’s Mining Week, themed `Nigeria Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance`, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He criticised the practice and described it as a part of the leakages and loopholes in Nigeria’s economy threatening its growth.

    “ I am still going to make a proposal to the Federal Executive Council that all those schools in Nigeria that are charging in foreign currencies should be closed.

    “These are some of these leakages and loop holes that we say exist in our economy that people do not really take these things very seriously, “ he said.

    “ If you look at the foreign currency that goes into some of this is humongous

    “If your child is attending a school in Abuja or Lagos or somewhere in the country and is paying 10,000 pounds or 10,000 dollars as their fees that means you will be looking for naira to go and buy dollars.

    “Driving the value of dollar up, where as this school is in Abuja in Nigeria, you can`t go to UK establish a school and then be charging naira, it’s not done.

    “ Its only in this country that I see so many contradictory things that really demolishes the economy, “ he said.

    According to him, we must begin to change our value system and orientation in to things that are substantial, productive, constructive and regenerative for the progress in our nation.

    The minister said the Federal Government was introducing various measures, including digital mechanisms, to ensure that all leakages in Nigeria’s gold value chain were blocked and every loophole sealed.

    He said the move would reduce room for interpersonal transactions thereby reducing the propensity of corruption, which would further position Nigeria`s gold as one of the  global pillars of means of exchange of value.

    He said the Federal Government’s National Gold Purchase Programme (NGPP), implemented through the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), was designed to shore up Nigeria’s foreign reserves and strengthen the naira.

    Alake explained that the NGPP, a component of the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (PAGMI), allows the government to buy gold directly from artisanal miners in naira, rather than spending foreign exchange to purchase gold internationally.

    Read Also: FG to boost foreign reserves base with locally sourced gold – Alake

    In her remarks, the Executive Director of SMDF, Hajia Fatima Shinkafi said that unlike global trends, gold exploration funding in Nigeria was at an upward trajectory.

    Shinkafi explained that, within the broader macroeconomic context, gold serves as a safe haven asset and encouraged conference participants to explore Nigeria’s gold opportunities.

    “We implore everyone here to examine Nigeria`s gold resources and support the minister`s efforts to make Nigeria a premier destination for junior miners.

    “In another year or so, lets look at this Nigeria`s Gold day 2025 as a pivotal turning point, “ she said.

    NAN reports that the Nigeria Mining Week, holding from October 13 to  15, is organised by Miners Association of Nigeria in partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the VUKA Group.

    (NAN) 

  • Threats or blackmail won’t derail our reforms in mining sector, says Alake

    Threats or blackmail won’t derail our reforms in mining sector, says Alake

    • Minister: Minerals pre-shipment agency underway

    The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has said threats and blackmail from some quarters will not distract him or derail the transformative agenda of the Federal Government in the mining sector.

    He emphasised that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remained committed to the ongoing reforms in the sector.

    The minister said the reforms were already yielding results.

    Alake said this while addressing reporters at the weekend ahead of the 10th Nigeria Mining Week, which begins today.

    The minister said the reforms were yielding fruits as various indices, including those of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), were pointers to this development.

    He said: “Ten years ago, the contribution of mining to our nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) was less than 0.5 per cent. But today, it has increased to 1.8 per cent with figures from the NBS indicating an unprecedented 4.61 per cent in Q2 of 2025. In practical terms, this means more mines in operation, more companies investing and more communities being impacted by mining activity.”

    Reflecting on the evolution of the sector, Alake said the Nigeria Mining Week has mirrored the industry’s shift from informality to a structured, innovation-driven, and investor-attractive environment.

    The minister stressed that the reforms focus on transparency, investment risk mitigation, and value chain optimisation.

    According to him, efforts to strengthen regulatory frameworks have faced a backlash, including threats to his life.

    Alake expressed his unflinching resolve to follow through the rigours of the reforms, stating that no amount of intimidation, sponsored articles by unpatriotic hack writers, or a campaign of calumny would blur his vision of repositioning the mining sector.

    He said: “The mining sector was hitherto an all-comers’ affair where operators got away with flagrant abuse of regulations. When we came in, we made efforts to correct this anomaly, and those affected have been employing all forms of tactics, including threats and blackmail, to force us to reverse course.

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    “I want to assure Nigerians that our resolve is unflinching. We are going ahead to enforce strictly all regulations, no matter whose ox is gored.”

    Alake cited the revocation of mining licences, reiterating that it is an ongoing process and emphasising that the era in which people defaulted in the payment of annual service fees or held in licences for over 10 years without using them or commencing any form of operation is gone with the wind.

    The minister explained that the “Use it or Lose it” clause in the Mining Act would be strictly enforced to pave the way for serious investors to develop the sector.

    “Our desire for a very conducive operating environment should not indulge those who are in constant default of the regulations. We won’t tolerate that. I have had to triple my personal security, following threats received from some of those whose licences were revoked, but I am undaunted.

    “Our confidence is hinged on the fact that we are waging the battle based on principle, for the sake of our country,” Alake added.

    The minister also hinted at the establishment of a new pre-shipment agency for solid minerals.

    He affirmed that the installation of satellite surveillance of mining sites was also underway alongside plans to double the personnel of the mining marshals.

    This, Alake explained, is aimed at ensuring that the mobile squad has an active presence in all local governments in the country and is fully equipped to curtail illegal mining.

    The minister urged all stakeholders, industry players and investors to join in making the mining week a resounding success asserting that it promises to be a platform for networking, consolidating on progress made, attracting responsible investments and ensuring that the mining sector contributes substantially to Nigeria’s industrialisation.