Mr Olamilekan Adegbite, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development says the Federal Government is throwing its political will and weight behind the promotion of the solid mineral sector.
Adegbite made this known at the pre-press briefing of the Annual 6th Nigeria Mining Week on Tuesday in Abuja.
The 2022 Nigeria Mining Week will hold from Nov. 1 to Nov. 3 at the International Conference Centre (ICC), with the theme: “Success and Achievements in the Mining Sector”.
He said that government political will and supports for the sector had made Nigeria one of the epicentres for the next technological change in the mining sector.
According to him, the sector is well positioned to support supply chain diversification as well as the security of supply on a global scale.
“It is with joy that I announce the return of Nigeria’s leading industry event on the calendar, the ‘Nigeria Mining Week’, which will be back in-person in Abuja after two consecutive years of digital connection.
“The entire mining value-chain will reconnect face-to-face and explore the many exciting opportunities that the mining sector that this West African block offers.
“The progress made so far since the inception of mining week will be showcased at the event; the event will be organised by the Vuka Group, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Nigeria and in collaboration with the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN),” he said.
The minister said that this year’s event had been designed to promote “what is widely regarded as the best next investment destination for mining companies and investors.
“This event forms part of our strides in beating the country’s proverbial mining drum loudly and clearly, by gracing many mining forums around the globe and communicating that the Nigerian mining sector is ready for investment and development.
“Key issues to be discussed at the conference will include the critical mineral resources which are the building blocks for many technologies providing us with green renewable energy.
“Therefore, we are carrying a model that will enable us network with colleagues from all around the globe, hear expert analysis, secure deals in private chats, and debate the latest opportunities and challenges in the mining industry.”
Adegbite called on the senior level executives, mining companies ranging from explorers, juniors to mid-tier producers, investors and processors among others to participate in the forthcoming three days conference.
Sen. Gbemisola Saraki, the Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development said this year’s edition would welcome the entire mining ecosystem, including mining companies, operators among others to discuss the key challenges and solutions surrounding the mining industry.
“Our assertions during this session will address the direction of thought as a nation and the imperatives of a long term plan for the mineral and metals industry in Nigeria.’’
Alhaji Muhammad, the acting President, Miners Association of Nigeria said that the association aimed at seeing the mining sector contributing 27 billion dollars to the GDP by 2025.
Muhammad said that this benchmark could be achieved based on the 2021 sector performance, adding that this year’s edition offered a good opportunity to highlight the strength of the mining industry.
According to him, this year’s edition will focus on the successes and wins in the mining sector with particular reference to the commodities of Gold, Iron Ore, Barite, Bitumen and Kaolin.
Mr Echezonachukwu Uduji, the Manager, Mining Sector, PwC said that PwC had supported the mining sector over the years starting from the roundtable, which transcended to the annual marking of Nigeria mining week.