Alake Pledges Full Support for Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo, Says Mining Sector Ready for Strategic Capital
ABUJA — The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has pledged full support for the maiden Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo 2026, with Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, reaffirming the Federal Government’s determination to attract strategic investment and reposition Nigeria’s minerals sector for value addition and industrial growth.
The minister, who was represented by the Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office, Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom, made the commitment at the official launch of the investment forum in Abuja, where he also accepted to serve as Patron of the inaugural edition of the Expo.
The two-day event is scheduled to hold on November 19 and 20, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
Earlier, the Director of Mines Environmental Compliance, Dr Vivian Okono, representing the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo, FNSE, declared the event open.
Alake described the Expo as timely, saying it aligned with the Federal Government’s efforts to position Nigeria as a globally competitive investment destination, particularly in the solid minerals sector.
He assured the organisers of the ministry’s continued support throughout the planning and implementation of the event.
“Our support will not end with today’s launch. The Ministry will continue to interface with EnergyNet Limited and relevant institutions throughout the preparatory period to ensure that the event is properly coordinated and capable of delivering tangible outcomes beyond speeches and ceremonial participation,” Alake stated.
The minister said the participation of the Federal Ministries of Industry, Trade and Investment; Power; Petroleum Resources; and Solid Minerals Development demonstrated the cross-sectoral opportunities that the Expo would seek to present to investors.
He added that state governments would also be able to showcase bankable projects, infrastructure priorities and potential investment partnerships to local and international investors.
Alake reiterated the Federal Government’s policy of moving the country’s mining industry away from the export of raw minerals towards processing, manufacturing and industrial development.
He said achieving the transformation would require patient capital, modern technology and responsible investors willing to comply with Nigerian laws, protect host communities, preserve the environment and operate transparently.
According to him, the Federal Government is seeking investors who can contribute not only capital but also the technology, expertise and long-term commitment required to develop Nigeria’s mineral resources sustainably.
Speaking on behalf of EnergyNet, Portfolio Manager and Head of Corporate Development, Abdoulaye Sylla, said the Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo was conceived as a project-focused annual platform designed to connect investors directly with government and project developers.
Sylla said extensive market assessments had shown that Nigeria was increasingly positioned to attract greater foreign direct investment, with discussions at the Expo expected to focus on strategic infrastructure projects and multilateral initiatives, including Mission 300.
He disclosed that between 500 and 600 delegates from across the world were expected to participate in the inaugural edition.
Sylla also said EnergyNet was committed to making the Expo a long-term annual investment platform in Nigeria.
Also speaking, Damilola Hamid Balogun, Ambassador of the Youth Energy Summit (YES!) Nigeria and Co-founder of the Youth Sustainable Development Network, stressed the need for greater youth participation in the country’s energy transition agenda.
Balogun said young Nigerians had an important role to play in advancing the country’s Energy Transition Plan and achieving its net-zero emissions target by 2060.
The launch also recognised organisations supporting the initiative. Nextier was named Official Advisory Partner, while The Electricity Hub was named Official Media Partner.
The Nigeria Women in Mining and Resources Organisation (NIWIMNRO) received EnergyNet’s Leadership Award in recognition of its contribution to the sector.
The Director of Investment Promotion and Mineral Trade, Dr Esther Udo, delivered the vote of thanks.
The Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo is expected to bring together government officials, investors, project developers and other stakeholders to explore investment opportunities across Nigeria’s mining, energy and infrastructure sectors.
The organisers said the platform would also support the Federal Government’s broader objectives of sustainable economic growth, industrialisation, investment promotion and value addition.
