As global leaders convene at the Future Minerals Forum in Saudi Arabia to discuss the future of critical minerals, the Ore Reserve Development Forum (ORDF) of Nigeria announces a pivotal, national initiative to position Nigeria as the next premier investment destination.
It is pertinent to note that the ORDF points out that the core challenge is no longer geology, but the crucial importance of de-risking mineral exploration through.
Chairman of the Ore Reserves Development Forum (ORDF), Mr. Uba Sa’idu Malami, who spoke with our correspondent in an exclusive chat, discussed the response of the Forum, stating that the ‘ORDF is building Nigeria’s first Sustainable Mining Finance Framework, a systemic solution to transform the nation’s vast mineral endowment into investable, bankable assets.’
‘Nigeria sits on an estimated $700 billion in untapped mineral wealth, yet the sector contributes less than 1% to GDP,’ he said, noting that the ‘barrier is not a lack of resources or capital, but a critical “trust deficit.”‘
He noted that international financiers and major mining companies consistently cite opaque data, regulatory uncertainty, and the absence of credible project reporting as the primary obstacles to investment.
He said the ORDF is determined to address the challenge of data dearth by ensuring that geodata is produced as a solution that will unlock the investment potential of the sector.
Discussing the ORDF solution. The Chairman said: ‘ORDF’s framework directly attacks these risks at their root. It moves beyond generic policy to establish the specific, technical, and financial architecture required by global markets.
Malami discussed the four integrated pillars on which the ORDF initiative is built, saying that the pillars are designed to systematically de-risk the mining value chain.
‘The first pillar is Global Standards for Local Trust,’ Malami said, adding that it involves mandating the adoption of CRIRSCO-aligned reporting standards (like the PERC code). This, he said, ensures that every resource statement is verified by an independent, liable Competent Person, giving investors the same confidence they have in jurisdictions like Australia and Canada.
Discussing the second pillar, he said: ‘It is to Create a Nigerian “Junior Market”, which means establishing a dedicated platform on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) for exploration companies.
This, he said, creates the essential liquidity to attract high-risk, high-reward capital from retail investors and family offices that fuels discovery worldwide.
The Chairman of the ORDF discussed the third pillar, saying: ‘The third point is Intelligent Risk Mitigation: Moving beyond basic country scores.’
Discussing the thrust of the third pillar, Malami stated that the framework advocates for deep commercial and political intelligence—understanding local dynamics, building the “triangle of trust” with communities and government, and securing social license. ‘This lowers financing costs and protects long-term operations,’ he added.
‘The fourth pillar of ORDF response is ‘Coordinated Governance,’ he said, stating that it entails the formation of a ‘high-level ORDF Advisory Council with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ministry of Solid Minerals, Ministry of Finance, and private sector leaders to ensure policy alignment and rapid execution.’
He said ORDF has already intimated direct response to what he described as ‘a global shift.’
‘This initiative is timed precisely as global capital seeks to de-risk supply chains,’ he said.
Malami quoted to a recent analysis by Clareo and Veracity Worldwide published by The Intelligent Miner: “Political and commercial risk is becoming as critical as geology or costs.”
He said Nigeria’s framework is a proactive answer.
Malami said by offering transparency and predictability, Nigeria will not just attract capital but will favourably compete for the strategic partnerships that define the energy transition.
Malami Uba Saidu, Chairman of ORDF, stated from the Future Minerals Forum: “The world is searching for responsible, reliable sources of critical minerals. Nigeria’s answer is not to ask for concessions, but to build a system that earns trust. Our framework is that system. We are turning Nigeria’s geological potential into a sovereign advantage by speaking the unambiguous language of global finance: verified data, clear rules, and shared value.”
He said that as the next steps, the framework is the direct outcome of a landmark multi-stakeholder workshop convened in Abuja in December 2025.
He disclosed that a ‘technical working group is now finalizing the actionable roadmap for implementation in 2026.’
The Ore Reserve Development Forum (ORDF) is an independent, industry-led platform established to bridge the gap between Nigeria’s mineral potential and global capital markets. It convenes geoscientists, financiers, regulators, and policymakers to develop and advocate for the standards and systems needed to build a modern, sustainable, and investment-ready mining sector.
