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The 11th edition of Nigeria Mining Week on the theme: ‘Unlocking Investment and Growth through Partnership’ opened in Abuja Tuesday October 13 with participants calling for sustained collaboration towards developing the sector.
Although low keyed, it had key partners like the Miners Association of Nigeria, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, NEITI, PWD and others in attendance.
Declaring this year’s summit open, Oba Ayandele Ayanlake who is also the president, Miners Association of Nigeria, said the theme for this edition reflects a conviction the association held over the years.
He said, “The strength of our sector lies in collaboration. Our partnership with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development with investors, with sponsors and with industry stakeholders has been instrumental in shaping policy, improving operational standards and building trust in the sector.”
He said the miners association remains an umbrella body for individuals and organisations engaged across the Nigeria mineral value chain spanning exploration, mining, quarrying and related services.
He noted further that: “During this edition, we would engage further in initiatives that promote investment, enhance safety, support artisanal and small scale miners and drive compliance with global best practices.
“Over the past 10 years, Nigerian Mining Week has led the conversations that have shaped the growth of Nigeria’s solid mineral sector. It has served as the place where innovative ideas are incubated, where emerging global technologies and methodologies are introduced to our operators and where national milestones in regulatory oversight are launched.”
On his part, a leader with PWC, another partner, Cyril Azobu noted that over the years, there have been encouraging signs of progress and growing international interest in Nigeria’s critical mineral opportunities.
“The recently signed critical minerals framework between Nigeria and the United States is a timely example of the partnerships that can connect Nigeria’s mineral potential with the investment, technology and expertise needed to develop it.
“PWC Nigeria would continue to play an active role in supporting the development of Nigeria’s mining industry. We are proud of our continued partnership with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Miners Association of Nigeria in organising this forum.”
The combination of local knowledge and global industry experience, he said, enables PWC to support the partnerships and business decisions needed to unlock values across the mining sector.
There were goodwill messages from Ambassador Anna Westerholm, Head of Mission, Embassy of Sweden to Nigeria and the country director of Segilola Resources Austin Menegbo, a leading indigenous mining company in Nigeria who disclosed that since the company began operation in Nigeria in 2021, its impact in the area of gold extraction is 347,425 ounce with 98 percent Nigerian workforce and 27 percent from host communities.
The two-day event ends on Wednesday October 14.
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