Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has urged African nations to stop exporting raw minerals and instead prioritise local processing to boost industrial growth, create jobs, and retain economic value across the continent.
Speaking at the 4th African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit in Abuja, Alake warned that the continued export of unprocessed minerals undermines Africa’s economic potential and technological advancement. He called for a shift toward resource sovereignty, emphasising that Africa’s mineral wealth should be harnessed to fuel its own development rather than power industries abroad.
Highlighting Nigeria’s efforts, the minister revealed that 867 mining licences were granted in the first quarter of 2025, generating N6.95 billion in revenue. The Mining Cadastre Office, he noted, received over 10,000 applications, processed 955, and issued licences across exploration, small-scale mining, quarrying, and large-scale mining operations.
Alake said the sector’s renewed efficiency is part of ongoing reforms aimed at attracting investment and boosting local value addition in Nigeria’s mining industry.
On energy development, he announced that Nigeria had secured $5.91 million in grants under the Africa Mini-Grid Programme to support rural electrification. Additional initiatives, including the establishment of meter test stations and solar photovoltaic (PV) training centres, are being rolled out to expand access to clean energy and accelerate Nigeria’s energy transition.
The Federal Government, he affirmed, remains committed to achieving universal energy access, net-zero emissions by 2060, and greater regional power integration across West Africa.
The summit gathered stakeholders from across the continent to explore investment opportunities in Africa’s natural resources and energy sectors, with Nigeria positioning itself as a model for resource-based development and clean energy leadership.
