Nigeria has secured a United Nations-backed study to develop a critical minerals roadmap, marking a major milestone in its quest to maximize the solid minerals value chain from extraction to beneficiation.

The study, funded by the Global Council for Critical Minerals, emerged as a key outcome of Solid Minerals Development Minister, Dr. Dele Alake’s engagements at the Mining Indaba 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa.

According to a statement by Mr. Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, the study will be conducted by UC Davis, with support from Core International, and will set global best practices for Nigeria’s minerals development.

Driving Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Goals

The study aims to:
✅ Assess Nigeria’s critical mineral resources and reserves
✅ Set international benchmarks for value addition and processing
✅ Enhance local industrial production of solar power components

One of the major expected benefits is reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported solar power products, which will result in foreign exchange savings and stimulate the growth of the domestic renewable energy sector.

Alake: Time to Stop Importing Solar Power Products

Speaking with Mr. Divyam Nagpal, Principal Specialist for Renewable Energy at Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), Dr. Alake stressed Nigeria’s need to prioritize local production of solar power products.

“Since we have the materials for solar power production, we should vigorously pursue policies that stop the importation of solar products and instead localize production in Nigeria. Our market is vast, already serving the West African sub-region, making local manufacturing a viable and strategic investment,” he stated.

Creating a Secure and Investor-Friendly Mining Sector

Dr. Alake reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to improving the investment climate in the mining sector.

“We are implementing a new security architecture to ensure the safety of investors and mining sites. Additionally, we have revised the Community Development Agreement to guarantee that local communities benefit maximally from these investments. This ensures a win-win situation for investors, host communities, and the Nigerian economy,” he said.

The Minister noted that a more secure and business-friendly environment would help attract foreign direct investment, increase royalty payments, and ensure regulatory compliance within the solid minerals sector.

Strengthening Global Partnerships

Mr. Nagpal emphasized that Nigeria’s critical minerals roadmap will play a crucial role in shaping policy and unlocking the full potential of the country’s mining sector. He also invited Dr. Alake to the Sustainable Energy for All Programme in Barbados, a high-profile event focused on energy security, equity, and development.

With this development, Nigeria is positioning itself as a key player in the global critical minerals and clean energy markets, paving the way for industrial growth, energy security, and economic transformation.