Nigeria unveiled a multi-pillar mining sector growth and beneficiation technique at African Mining Week (AMW) 2025, geared toward shifting the nation from exporting uncooked minerals to producing value-added merchandise.
Presenting the plan, Yusuf Yabo, everlasting secretary on the Ministry of Mines, stated the technique is designed to unlock Nigeria’s mineral wealth whereas driving industrialization and regional integration.
The primary pillar focuses on beneficiation and worth addition, with Nigeria planning to ascertain processing crops for uncommon earth minerals and promote regional infrastructure integration.
“We’re shifting from uncooked materials suppliers to producers of value-added merchandise. For too lengthy, we now have exported uncooked minerals for processing elsewhere, and the advantages haven’t reached our folks. Immediately we’re wealthy in sources but poor in outcomes,” Mr Yabo famous.
The second pillar emphasises power infrastructure growth to make sure reasonably priced and dependable energy for mining operations.
“No industrialisation can thrive with out safe energy. The AfCFTA supplies an opportunity to attach markets and industries via robust infrastructure linkages,” Yabo stated.
The third pillar highlights know-how switch and expertise growth, with a deal with youth empowerment.
“Youth coaching have to be a cornerstone of trade progress. Younger individuals are our best property, not a burden. With the precise expertise, they’ll construct accountable and sustainable mining,” he added.
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The fourth pillar centres on coverage and funding alignment throughout Africa, with Nigeria reforming laws, introducing revolutionary de-risking instruments and strengthening partnerships to harmonize infrastructure and coverage frameworks.
“Our technique is not only about mining for mining’s sake; it’s about justice, know-how, and constructing regional worth chains,” Mr Yabo emphasised.
Nigeria can also be transforming inactive and dormant mining licenses, advancing a nationwide crucial minerals technique and offering incentives for native beneficiation initiatives.