The Federal Government has expressed commitment towards attracting responsible investments into Nigeria’s productive sectors.
Minister of Solid Minerals development Dr. Dele Alake stated this ahead of the maiden Nigeria Now Global Investors Expo 2026, scheduled for November in Abuja.
The Minister represented by the Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), Mr. Simon Nkom, said the minister accepted to serve as Patron of the maiden edition because of the importance of the initiative in promoting Nigeria as a competitive investment destination and connecting credible projects with global investors.
He said the ministry would continue working closely with the organisers to ensure the event delivers practical outcomes that attract investments and strengthen collaboration between government and the private sector.
According to him, Nigeria is expanding its economic base beyond traditional revenue sources through reforms in mining, power, manufacturing, infrastructure, oil and gas, trade and investment.
He explained that the solid minerals sector is being repositioned from the export of raw minerals to value addition, local processing, manufacturing, job creation and stronger economic linkages.
Dr. Alake stressed that sustainable investment would require patient capital, modern technology, technical expertise and investors willing to comply with Nigerian laws, protect host communities and preserve the environment.
He added that the expo would provide investors with opportunities to understand available projects across the country, government policies, investment incentives and areas requiring strategic partnerships.
The Minister said the event would also enable investors to engage directly with government on issues affecting project development, including infrastructure, financing, licensing, technology, security and market access.
He noted that the participation of the ministries responsible for Industry, Trade and Investment, Power and Petroleum Resources reflects the interconnected nature of national development and the need for coordinated investment policies.
Dr. Alake said state governments would also play a critical role by presenting investment opportunities, infrastructure needs and partnership prospects within their respective states.
He urged organisers to establish a mechanism for monitoring agreements and investment commitments after the expo, stressing that success should be measured by projects executed rather than attendance alone.
Earlier, Portfolio Manager and head of corporate Development at EnergyNet, Abdullahi Sylla, said the Nigeria Now Global Investors Expo was conceived to showcase Nigeria’s economic reforms and present bankable projects to international investors.
Sylla said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to accelerate economic growth by bringing together development finance institutions, technology providers, project developers and investors across sectors including mining, energy, infrastructure and ports.
He stated that the event would also feature a Youth Energy Summit aimed at engaging young Nigerians, promoting job creation and building a strong network of future industry leaders.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, represented by a Director mines and environmental compliance, Dr. Vivian Okono called on the media to support the initiative through accurate and professional reporting, saying sustained public awareness would be crucial to the success of the Nigeria Now Global Investors Expo 2026.
By Georgina Humphrey
