Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has called on global — particularly Chinese — investors to expand their participation in the country’s mining sector, citing sweeping reforms and improved security measures that guarantee higher returns.
Speaking on the theme “Connect and Collaborate, Co-Build and Co-Share” at the China Mining Conference in Tianjin, Alake said the Nigerian government had introduced structural and technological upgrades to make the sector safer, more transparent, and globally competitive.
“We’ve introduced the Mining Marshals and satellite-based mine monitoring systems to protect licensed operators and tackle illegal mining,” Alake said, highlighting the government’s security-focused initiatives.
The minister also underscored Nigeria’s commitment to digital transformation, noting that platforms such as the Electronic Mining Cadastre (EMC+), Nigerian Mineral Resources Decision System (NMRDS), and the Centre of Excellence have simplified business processes, licensing, and remote transactions for investors worldwide.
Reflecting on the surge of Chinese interest in Nigeria’s mining space, Alake revealed that over $1.3 billion has been invested in lithium processing since September 2023.
“Chinese companies such as Canmax Technology, Jiuling Lithium, Avatar New Energy Nigeria Company, and Asba have collectively invested more than $1.3 billion in lithium processing,” he said. “These investments have advanced Nigeria’s economic diversification drive, reduced oil dependency, and attracted technology transfer and infrastructure development.”
He noted that several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed during President Bola Tinubu’s 2024 state visit to China had translated into tangible investment commitments, boosting confidence in Nigeria’s mineral sector.
As Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), Alake reiterated Nigeria’s leadership role in promoting continental collaboration in mineral exploration, reporting standards, and sustainable resource governance.
“Africa must develop shared systems of knowledge and governance to fully harness its vast mineral resources,” he added.
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