Mining stakeholders have called for improved regulation, stronger security and strategic partnerships to attract investment and accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
They made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the 11th Nigeria Mining Week, themed “Unlocking Investment and Growth through Partnerships”, which holds from Oct. 13 to Oct. 14.
The two-day event is organised by the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), in partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Nigeria and the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).
Speaking at the opening, Austin Menegbo, Country Manager of Segilola Resources Operating Ltd., called for better coordination among regulatory agencies, sustained public-private dialogue and improved investment conditions.
Menegbo said mining operators interacted with several government institutions responsible for land access, environmental approvals, taxation, immigration, electricity and trade.
He noted that overlapping requirements, unclear procedures and conflicting directives created uncertainty for investors, urging authorities to establish clear approval processes, transparent timelines and effective mechanisms for resolving inter-agency disputes.
“A more coordinated system will not mean weaker regulation. It will mean regulation that is clearer, faster and more effective,” he said.
Menegbo also advocated regular engagement among government agencies, mining operators, investors, host communities, service providers and civil society groups to address industry challenges and improve policy implementation.
On illegal mining, he said enforcement against criminal networks should be complemented by accessible formalisation programmes, including technical and safety training, geological and market support, cooperative structures, access to finance and alternative livelihoods.
He identified improved geological data, exploration financing, specialised local suppliers, technical skills, reliable energy and infrastructure as critical to creating a favourable investment environment.
Also speaking, Anna Westerholm, Head of Mission at the Swedish Embassy, said partnerships with Nigeria should prioritise local value addition, community welfare and transparent mineral supply chains.
She said such partnerships should ensure that processing capabilities, skills and technology remained in Nigeria beyond the lifespan of individual contracts.
Westerholm stressed the need to protect workers and host communities, adding that responsible mining should address community health, education and development.
She said Sweden was ready to strengthen cooperation with Nigeria through technology, expertise and business partnerships.
Similarly, Cyril Azobu, Partner and Mining Industry Leader at PwC Nigeria, said developing the sector required partnerships combining local knowledge, international expertise and financing.
Azobu said Nigeria needed to translate its mineral resources and growing international interest into viable projects and sustainable economic growth.
He identified a predictable investment environment, credible projects and stronger partnerships as essential to connecting local opportunities with international capital, technology and expertise.
Earlier, Dele Ayanleke, National President of MAN, who declared the event open, identified insecurity along mining corridors and regulatory conflicts between federal and state authorities as major barriers to investment and growth.
Ayanleke said addressing the challenges would improve the investment climate, enhance returns and enable the sector to contribute more significantly to Nigeria’s economic diversification.
He expressed optimism that the gathering of local and international stakeholders would facilitate the exchange of ideas, technology and investment needed to accelerate the industry’s development.
He said the convergence of stakeholders from Nigeria and abroad would promote the ideas, technologies and investments required to drive growth in the solid minerals sector.
