By Martha Agas
Mining stakeholders have called for better regulatory coordination, improved security and strategic partnerships to attract investment and accelerate the development of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
The stakeholders made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the 11th Nigeria Mining Week, themed “Unlocking Investment and Growth through Partnerships”, holding from Oct. 13 to Oct. 14.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day event is organised by the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), in partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Nigeria and the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).
Speaking at the opening, Austin Menegbo, Country Manager, Segilola Resources Operating Ltd., called for stronger regulatory coordination, sustained public-private dialogue and improved investment conditions.
Menegbo said mining operators dealt with several government institutions responsible for land access, environmental approvals, taxation, immigration, power and trade.
He said overlapping requirements, unclear procedures and conflicting directives could create uncertainty for investors, urging authorities to establish clearer approval processes, transparent timelines and effective mechanisms for resolving inter-agency disputes.
“A more coordinated system will not mean weaker regulation. It will mean regulation that is clearer, faster and more effective,” he said.
Menegbo also advocated a structured platform for regular engagement among government agencies, mining operators, investors, host communities, service providers and civil society groups to address industry challenges and improve policy implementation.
On illegal mining, he said enforcement against criminal networks should be complemented by accessible pathways to formalisation, including technical and safety training, geological and market support, cooperative structures, access to finance and alternative livelihoods.
He further identified improved geological data, exploration financing, specialised local suppliers, technical skills, reliable energy and infrastructure as essential to strengthening the sector’s investment environment.
Also speaking, Anna Westerholm, Head of Mission at the Swedish Embassy, said partnerships with Nigeria should prioritise local value addition, community welfare and transparent mineral supply chains.
“Partnership means three things. First, is the value that stays, processing skills and technology that remain in Nigeria long after a contract ends,” she said.
Westerholm stressed the need to protect workers and host communities, adding that responsible mining should also address community health, education and development.
She said Sweden was ready to deepen cooperation with Nigeria through technology, expertise and business partnerships.
Similarly, Cyril Azobu, Partner and Mining Industry Leader at PwC Nigeria, said developing the sector required partnerships that combined local knowledge, international expertise and financing.
Azobu said Nigeria needed to translate its mineral potential and growing international interest into viable projects and sustainable economic growth.
He said this would require a predictable investment environment, credible projects and stronger partnerships to connect local opportunities with international capital, technology and expertise.
Earlier, while declaring the event open, Dele Ayanleke, National President of MAN, identified insecurity along mining corridors and regulatory conflicts between federal and state authorities as major barriers to investment and growth.
Ayanleke said addressing the challenges would improve the investment climate, enhance returns and enable the sector to contribute more significantly to Nigeria’s economic diversification.
He said the gathering of local and international stakeholders would promote the exchange of ideas, technology and investment needed to accelerate the industry’s development.
“The coming together of different stakeholders, not only within Nigeria but from outside, will bring a convergence of ideas, technologies and investment that will make the industry grow very well in Nigeria,” he said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Edited by Tosin Kolade
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