In a landmark virtual event jointly organised by the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) and NASD Plc, stakeholders across Nigeria’s mining and finance sectors Wednesday gathered for a high-impact webinar titled “Understanding the Mining Asset Development Cycle.”
The event stressed the need to unlock investment opportunities and integrate innovative financing mechanisms into Nigeria’s solid minerals ecosystem.
SMDF Executive Secretary Hajiya Fatima Umaru Shinkafi, who was represented by her Executive Assistant Omotayo Omitokun, highlighted the webinar’s significance in aligning the mining sector with capital market expectations and improving investor confidence.
“Today’s conversations have shed light on critical elements of the mining asset development cycle,” said Hajiya Umaru Shinkafi in her message.
“From regulatory clarity to investment readiness and funding innovation, the insights shared today help us take bold steps toward transforming how mining assets are developed and financed in Nigeria.”
She noted that the webinar featured a lineup of expert speakers including Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom, Director General of the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), who delved into licensing and regulatory frameworks; Mr. Jon O’Callaghan, who provided a comprehensive breakdown of mining asset development and investor engagement; and Mr. Paul Lalovich, who explored asset tokenisation and other alternative financing models aimed at de-risking early-stage mining investments.
Hajiya Shinkafi commended the resource persons and all participants for their contributions, noting that building an investor-ready sector requires collective effort and consistent dialogue.
“As we deepen capital market participation in Nigeria’s mining sector, our shared goal must remain: to unlock the true value of our vast mineral resources,” she emphasized. “This is not just about funding—it’s about building trust, improving governance, and ensuring that every stage of the mining cycle supports sustainable growth,” she said.
Acknowledging the vital role of public-private partnerships, the SMDF boss expressed gratitude to the Managing Director of NASD Plc, Mr. Eguarekhide Longe, and his team for their visionary collaboration.
“We are grateful to NASD Plc for recognising the immense potential in the mining sector and for their continued partnership in advancing financing frameworks that meet the sector’s evolving needs,” Shinkafi added.
Special appreciation was also extended to Mr. Oludare Fajimolu, the session moderator, and the hardworking teams at SMDF and NASD for their seamless coordination of the event.
Concluding her remarks, Hajiya Shinkafi reaffirmed SMDF’s commitment to catalyzing investment and innovation in Nigeria’s solid minerals landscape.
“Let this be the beginning of more structured engagements that translate knowledge into action, and ambition into investment. Together, we can build a mining industry that drives inclusive economic development and positions Nigeria as a global player in mineral resource development,” she said.
The webinar marked a significant step forward in bridging the gap between geological potential and financial viability, opening new frontiers for collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development in Nigeria’s mining sector.
