FG: Nigeria Now Expo To Deepen Solid Minerals Investment

ABUJA — The Federal Government has expressed optimism that the Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo 2026 will attract fresh investments into the solid minerals sector and deepen economic diversification efforts.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, represented by the Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), Engr. Simon Nkom, stated this on Thursday at the Nigeria NOW! press conference held at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

Alake described the conference as a welcome development for the Nigerian economy, noting that it aligns with government’s efforts to expand investment opportunities across key sectors, including mining, energy, infrastructure and manufacturing.

He said the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, as a patron of the event, would continue to support the initiative to drive investments and promote sustainable growth in the sector.

The Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo 2026, scheduled for November 19 and 20 in Abuja, is a flagship investment platform designed to showcase Nigeria’s opportunities and strengthen partnerships across the mining and energy sectors.

The event is being organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and EnergyNet.

Speaking at the briefing, Alake said the timing of the expo was strategic as Nigeria works to broaden its productive base, reduce dependence on limited revenue sources and create new opportunities through mining, power, manufacturing, infrastructure, oil and gas, trade and investment.

“Permit me to indicate that the timing of the Expo is very important. Nigeria is working to broaden its productive base, reduce dependence on a narrow range of revenue sources, and create more opportunities through mining, power, manufacturing, infrastructure, oil and gas, trade and investment.

“These sectors are closely connected. A mine cannot operate effectively without reliable power, roads, railway, processing facilities, access to financing and predictable regulation,” he said.

The minister added that industrial development requires steady access to raw materials, efficient logistics networks, markets and a favourable business environment.