Distinguished Stakeholders of the Nigerian Mining Industry, Partners, Well-Wishers, International Mining Community, Management and Staff of the Ministry, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press,

It is indeed gratifying to have you all joining us today at this Second Press Conference, marking the preparations for the 8th Edition of the Nigeria Mining Week, 2023.

It is an honor to address you as we embark on this journey to celebrate and uplift the Nigerian Mining Sector.

I wish to commence by acknowledging the profound significance of the mining industry in the economic development of Nigeria.

Beneath our soil lie vast mineral resources that harbor tremendous potential for growth and prosperity. This potential extends not only to our nation but also to the wider African Continent.

As we convene here today to brief you on the upcoming Nigeria Mining Week, it serves as a poignant reminder of the pivotal role this sector plays in diversifying our economy and employment generation opportunities for our citizens.

The Nigeria Mining Week 2023 is poised to be a significant milestone in our continuous efforts to showcase the potential of our mining sector.

The theme for this year,”Unlocking Nigeria’s Mining Potential” encapsulates our unwavering commitment to harness the abundant mineral resources that are spread across our land.

In recent years, we have witnessed substantial progress in the mining sector. We have executed critical reforms, modernized our regulatory framework, and attracted both local and foreign investments.

These have led to significant improvements in the mining activities in Nigeria.

The Nigeria Mining Week therefore provides a platform to celebrate these achievements and to chart a course for further progress.

The key objectives for the Nigeria Mining Week 2023 include:

1. Knowledge Sharing: Our aim is to foster an environment where Industry Experts, Stakeholders, and Government Officials can exchange ideas and strengthen the concepts of Industry Best Practices.

This will foster innovation and enhance the overall competitiveness of our mining sector as we endeavor to “Unlock Nigeria’s Mining Potential’’ upholding the tenets of Environmental, Social and Governance Standards;

2. Investment Promotion: Highlighting the investment opportunities inherent in Nigeria’s Mining Landscape such as the stable and favorable investment climate created through the Presidential Business Enabling Environment Initiative as well as very attractive incentives provided by the Federal Government.

We therefore invite both local and international investors to explore the vast potentials in the Mining Sector in Nigeria for growth and profitability, contributing to the realization of aspiration of shared benefits of the earth’s resources;

3. Sustainable Practices: Sustainability lies at the core of our vision for the mining sector. We will underscore the importance of responsible mining practices that respect our environment, host communities, and cultural heritage, a fundamental aspect of Unlocking Nigeria’s Mining Potential;

4. Skills Development: We will explore avenues to enhance the skills and capabilities of our workforce, ensuring they meet the demands of a contemporary mining industry. A well-trained workforce is pivotal for sustainable development and fully realizing the vision of making the ’’Earth Work For Us’’;

5. Infrastructure Development: Our discussions will encompass plans to enhance infrastructure in mining regions, facilitating the movement of goods and services and subsequently reducing operational costs for mining companies.

Dear Compatriots, I enjoin all Nigerians and well-meaning Mining Industry Stakeholders to leverage the numerous incentives provided by the dedicated resolve of the Administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to establish and strengthen their businesses to support the Mining Industry in Nigeria to substantially contribute to economic diversification of the Nation.

This Event heralds the overarching policy consistency of Government and provision of requisite infrastructure to grow the mining sector to significantly contribute to the nation’s GDP. This Event avails an ample opportunity for collective action and collaboration between the public and private sectors, civil society, and international partners.

Together, we shall work towards unlocking Nigeria’s mining potential, creating a brighter future for our nation and its people. I eagerly anticipate engaging with all of you during the Nigeria Mining Week 2023 and witnessing the positive impacts that our collective endeavors will have on this critical sector.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press, I implore you to give this Event the loudest publicity as we welcome you all to the 8th Edition of the Nigeria Mining Week.

Thank you.
DELE ALAKE
Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development 11th October, 2023.