By Victoria Onehi
The Minister of Mines and Steel Development Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite has said the enormous mineral resources spread across the country has potential to make the Nation the “Next Best Investment Destination of the world.
The Minister disclosed this at the 2022 Nigeria Mining Week Pre-Event Press Conference on Tuesday at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja.
He disclosed that the Nigeria Mining Week which is scheduled to hold between the 1st and 3rd of November 2022, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, forms part of the Ministry’s strides in beating the country’s proverbial mining drum loudly and clearly around the globe and communicating the message that the Nigerian Mining Sector is ready for investment and development.
The Minister revealed that key issues to be discussed would include the critical Mineral Resources which are the building blocks for many technologies providing the world with green renewable energy; Environmental Social Governance (ESG) global trends; the journey so far on the bankable geoscientific data acquisition; downstream opportunities, among others.
Adegbite noted that the 2022 Nigeria Mining Week would afford investors the opportunity to network with colleagues from all around the globe, hear expert analysis, secure deals in private chats, as well as debate the latest opportunities and challenges of the mining industry.
Speaking at the occasion, the Minister of State, Sen. Gbemisola Saraki stated that the 2022 Edition of the Nigeria Mining Week will welcome the entire mining ecosystem, mining companies, operators, investors, as well as governmental representations in order to discuss the key challenges and solutions surrounding the mining industry.
She enjoined the media to help spread the words and generate awareness about the upcoming 2022 Nigeria Mining Week.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade, noted that the Nigeria Mining Week has become a committed forum for mining investors all over the world. Adding that the 2022 Edition of the Nigeria Mining Week will be a game changer in the global mining ecosystem.
Earlier, Acting President, Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Alhaji Musa Muhammed, disclosed that the 2022 Edition of the Nigeria Mining Week aims to project the emerging developments and performance of the sector, especially towards the diversification of the nation’s economy away from oil and gas with a focus on the abundant mineral endowments of the country.
The Manager, Mining Sector, PriceWaterhouseCoopers Nigeria,Echezonachukwu Uduji, stated that the 2022 Mining Week is positioned at ensuring that all the achievements in the Nigerian Mining Sector are being showcased to the international community and local investors. He added that the conference will also look at challenges currently faced in the sector and proffer workable solutions to ensure the challenges are resolved.
Also, Business Development Manager, Vuka Group South Africa,Kudakwashe Tsingano, said the Group was honoured to have relationship with mining stakeholders in Nigeria as it has given the avenue to discuss, connect and network for the development and growth of the sector.
