Abuja: The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has announced the discovery of a world-class polymetallic mineral province in Kaduna State, marking it as a new hub for high-grade minerals. Speaking at the opening of the fifth Africa Natural Resources and Energy Summit (AFNIS) in Abuja, Alake emphasized the significance of this discovery for Nigeria’s position in the global minerals market.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) confirmed the presence of significant deposits of platinum, gold, nickel, copper, lithium, and rare earth elements with exceptionally high grades in Kaduna. This discovery enhances Nigeria’s competitive edge in the global minerals market, offering fresh opportunities for investors in critical minerals essential for technological advancement and the ongoing energy transition.
Dr. Alake highlighted Nigeria’s openness to business and partnerships that align with its economic diversification goals. He emphasized the importance of investors who are committed to local processing, employment, training, technology transfer, and transparent operations that build long-term value. The minister also noted the capital-intensive nature of mining and mineral processing, stressing the necessity of innovative financing to advance Africa’s resource development.
He further stated that Nigeria’s path to economic transformation relies on combining geological potential with sound regulation, reliable data, robust infrastructure, finance, technology, and local skill development. Under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the solid minerals sector is being restructured to support economic diversification and industrial transformation.
The minister detailed ongoing reforms aimed at restoring discipline in licensing, enhancing compliance, improving transparency, and ensuring that mineral assets are managed by capable operators. As part of these efforts, 3,000 mineral titles have been revoked to revitalize the sector and bolster its contribution to Nigeria’s economy.
Alake called for mining investments that would lead to the establishment of processing plants, refineries, industrial clusters, local jobs, and stronger linkages with the broader economy. He also underscored the necessity of unified action within Africa to secure the continent’s resource future.
In a speech delivered by Dr. Alake, President Bola Tinubu emphasized the importance of Africa’s critical minerals for the world’s industrial future, particularly concerning the energy transition. He advocated for a united African voice to drive development and called for harmonized regulations, reduced trade barriers, and cross-border infrastructure development. Tinubu also stressed the need for transparency, accountability, and long-term national benefit across the continent.