At the recently concluded Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, made a strong case for Japanese investment in Nigeria’s mining sector. He emphasized that Nigeria, with its vast untapped mineral resources, is open to partnerships that will drive both extraction and local value addition, positioning the country as a global player in mineral development.
Speaking at a high-level panel session attended by Japanese investors, government representatives, and African leaders, Dr. Alake noted that Nigeria hosts over 44 commercially viable minerals, including lithium, gold, copper, zinc, lead, and iron ore. He stressed that while these resources are abundant, unlocking their true economic value requires strategic foreign investment, advanced technology, and sustainable practices.
“Our administration is committed to shifting Nigeria from being a raw material exporter to a hub for mineral beneficiation and value-added production. We want Japanese investors to join us in this journey of transformation,” Dr. Alake stated.
Opportunities for Japan in Nigeria’s Mining Sector
Nigeria is seeking long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships that go beyond raw ore exportation. The government’s new mining roadmap prioritizes:
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Local processing plants for lithium, gold, and copper.
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Technology transfer and capacity building to train Nigerian geologists, engineers, and miners.
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Joint ventures that promote infrastructure development such as railways, power, and logistics for mining hubs.
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Sustainable and eco-friendly mining practices that align with global environmental standards.
Japanese firms, with their expertise in high-tech mineral processing, clean energy technologies, and sustainable mining systems, were urged to explore Nigeria as a key investment destination.
Nigeria’s Commitment to Investors
Dr. Alake assured potential Japanese partners that the Federal Government has implemented reforms to make mining more attractive, including:
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Streamlined licensing and approval processes.
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Legal and policy frameworks protecting investors.
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Tax incentives for companies investing in processing plants.
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Strong collaboration with international organizations to curb illegal mining and improve sector transparency.
He further highlighted that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provides a ready continental market for processed minerals, making Nigeria an ideal hub for regional and global mineral trade.
Why This Matters for Nigeria
This move signals Nigeria’s determination to diversify its economy away from crude oil dependency. By fostering partnerships with global powers like Japan, Nigeria aims to:
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Create jobs and skills development opportunities.
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Increase foreign exchange earnings through mineral exports.
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Establish Nigeria as a competitive player in global critical minerals supply chains.
Industry experts believe that if Japanese investors seize this opportunity, Nigeria could become a leading source of processed lithium, copper, and other critical minerals essential for electric vehicles, batteries, and renewable energy technologies.
