Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has reaffirmed its commitment to attracting strategic investments into Nigeria’s mining sector by supporting the maiden edition of the Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo 2026.
The two-day investment forum is scheduled to hold on November 19 and 20, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
Speaking at the official launch of the Expo in Abuja, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Henry Dele Alake, represented by the Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office, Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom, announced his acceptance to serve as Patron of the inaugural edition of the event.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo, represented by the Director of Mines Environmental Compliance, Dr. Vivian Okono, declared the event open.
Alake described the Expo as a timely initiative that aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to position Nigeria as a globally competitive investment destination, particularly in the solid minerals sector.
He assured the organisers, EnergyNet Limited, of the Ministry’s full support before and during the event.
“Our support will not end with today’s launch. The Ministry will continue to interface with EnergyNet Limited and relevant institutions throughout the preparatory period to ensure that the event is properly coordinated and capable of delivering tangible outcomes beyond speeches and ceremonial participation,” he said.
The Minister noted that the participation of the Federal Ministries of Industry, Trade and Investment; Power; Petroleum Resources; and Solid Minerals Development reflects the cross-sectoral investment opportunities the Expo aims to showcase.
He added that State governments would also have the opportunity to present bankable projects, infrastructure priorities and investment opportunities to local and international investors.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s policy direction for the mining sector, Alake said Nigeria is shifting from the export of raw minerals to value addition through processing, manufacturing and industrial development.
He stressed that achieving this transformation requires patient capital, modern technology and responsible investors committed to complying with Nigerian laws, protecting host communities, preserving the environment and operating transparently.
Speaking on behalf of EnergyNet, the company’s Portfolio Manager and Head of Corporate Development, Abdoulaye Sylla, said the Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo was designed as a project-focused annual platform that will connect investors directly with government institutions and project developers.
According to him, extensive market assessments indicate that Nigeria was now well-positioned to attract increased foreign direct investment, with discussions expected to focus on strategic infrastructure projects and multilateral initiatives, including Mission 300.
Sylla disclosed that between 500 and 600 delegates from across the world were expected to attend the inaugural edition, adding that EnergyNet is committed to making the Expo an annual investment platform in Nigeria.
Also speaking, Ambassador of the Youth Energy Summit (YES!) Nigeria and Co-founder of the Youth Sustainable Development Network, Damilola Hamid Balogun, underscored the importance of youth participation in implementing Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan and achieving its net-zero emissions target by 2060.
The launch also recognised key partners supporting the initiative, with Nextier named Official Advisory Partner, The Electricity Hub unveiled as Official Media Partner, while the Nigeria Women in Mining and Resources Organisation (NIWIMNRO) received EnergyNet’s Leadership Award.
The vote of thanks was delivered by the Director of Investment Promotion and Mineral Trade, Dr. Esther Udo.
The Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo is expected to serve as a high-level platform for dialogue, partnerships and investment across Nigeria’s mining, energy and infrastructure sectors, while supporting the Federal Government’s drive for sustainable economic growth, industrialisation and value addition.
