Nigeria Woos More Global Investors in Solid Minerals Development

 

By Grace Ademulegun

The federal government has appealed to international investors to leverage on the electronic data-based initiatives developed by Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Resources Ministry to invest in the tapping and processing of the country’s immense mineral resources.

for more investment by global firms in the tapping and processing of Nigeria’s immense mineral resources.

Dele Alake, Solid Minerals Development Minister Dele Alake, made the appeal on Wednesday, December 4, during the current Mines & Money Conference in Islington, UK.

Alake, in a statement by his media aide, Kehinde Bamigbetan, highlighted Nigeria’s use of digital technology to improve accessibility and transparency in the solid minerals industry.

He unveiled the Nigerian Mineral Decision Support System (NMRDSS), the Electronic Mining Cadastral (EMC+), and the National Geo-Data Centre, three important web portals intended to give investors access to vital information and expedite commercial procedures.

The NMRDSS, according to the minister, is an online resource that provides read-only access to extensive geoscientific and geoeconomic data.

Based on elements including hydrology, topography, urban development, and transportation, it helps investors evaluate mineral occurrences and make well-informed judgements.

With the NMRDSS, the minister said, investors can also apply for and oversee mining licenses remotely with the EMC+’s transparent, real-time mineral title management platform.

Alake further emphasised the expenditures undertaken to gather precise geoscientific data, especially for rare earth elements and vital minerals like lithium.

According to him, these initiatives strengthen Nigeria’s will to fight climate change and establish the nation as a key participant in the worldwide transition to a green economy.

Alake, who is also the chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, praised African geoscientists for creating a system of codes to validate research reports, guaranteeing the accuracy of the data for prospective investors.

The minister called on international mining companies to join Nigeria’s efforts to diversify the country’s economy through the use of solid minerals.

He noted that such partnerships would help the country’s abundant resources reach their full potential and eventually promote sustainable economic growth.