The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting strategic investments in Nigeria’s minerals sector through its support for the maiden edition of the Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo 2026, 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 Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. 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 investment forum.
Earlier, the Director of Mines Environmental Compliance, Dr. Vivian Okono, represented the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo, FNSE, in declaring the event open.
In his address, the Minister described the Expo as a timely initiative that aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to position Nigeria as a globally competitive investment destination, particularly in the solid minerals sector.
He assured the organisers of the Ministry’s full support throughout the planning process.
“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,” the Minister stated.
Alake noted that the participation of the Federal Ministries of Industry, Trade and Investment; Power; Petroleum Resources; and Solid Minerals Development underscores the cross-sectoral nature of the investment opportunities the Expo seeks to showcase.
He added that state governments would also have the opportunity to present bankable projects, infrastructure priorities and investment partnerships to both local and international investors.
Reiterating the Federal Government’s policy direction for the mining industry, the Minister said Nigeria is deliberately moving away from the export of raw minerals towards value addition through processing, manufacturing and industrial development.
According to him, the transformation of the sector requires patient capital, modern technology and responsible investors committed to complying with Nigeria’s laws, protecting host communities, preserving the environment and operating with transparency.
Speaking on behalf of EnergyNet, Portfolio Manager and Head of Corporate Development, Abdoulaye Sylla, said the Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo is designed as a project-focused annual platform that will connect investors directly with government and project developers.
He explained that the initiative follows extensive market assessments indicating that Nigeria is now better 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 around the world are expected to participate in the inaugural edition, adding that EnergyNet has committed to making the Expo a long-term annual engagement in Nigeria.
Also speaking at the event, Damilola Hamid Balogun, Ambassador of the Youth Energy Summit (YES!) Nigeria and Co-founder of the Youth Sustainable Development Network, highlighted the importance of youth participation in achieving Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan and its net-zero emissions target by 2060.
The launch also recognised strategic partners supporting the initiative, including Nextier as Official Advisory Partner, The Electricity Hub as Official Media Partner, while the Nigeria Women in Mining and Resources Organisation (NIWIMNRO) received EnergyNet’s Leadership Award.
The Director of Investment Promotion and Mineral Trade, Dr. Esther Udo, delivered the vote of thanks.
The Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo is expected to provide a high-level platform for dialogue, partnerships and investment across Nigeria’s mining, energy and infrastructure sectors, while advancing the Federal Government’s agenda of sustainable economic growth, industrialisation and value addition.
