Let’s start with some background on ENR Advisory. You have a proud history.
ENR Advisory is a Lagos-based law firm specializing in providing legal services across the energy and natural resources sectors – oil, gas, mining, power, and renewables. What differentiates us is our deep sector-specific expertise and comprehensive understanding of the complexities within these sectors. Our lawyers have not only advised clients on a wide range of transactions but has also contributed to shaping policy and legislation in Nigeria’s mining sector, making us uniquely equipped to guide clients through regulatory challenges and strategic decisions.
Tell us about your services and clients.
We offer legal support to investors and operators at every stage of their projects, from acquiring mineral rights to navigating financing, exploration, and development, as well as managing contractual and compliance matters. We regularly assist investors with conducting due diligence on mineral titles, and negotiating joint ventures and acquisition transactions. We are committed to helping our clients achieve their business objectives while effectively managing risk and navigating Nigeria’s regulatory landscape.
Where in Africa are you active and where are you looking to for growth?
Our primary base of activity is Nigeria, where we advise across the mining value chain. While we have supported projects in other African jurisdictions, our current focus is on deepening our footprint in Nigeria and building the foundations for future regional expansion.
How important is the Nigerian market for your organisation?
The Nigerian market is central to our work and strategy. As the largest economy in Africa with a rich and underdeveloped mineral base, Nigeria offers significant opportunities for investment and sectoral transformation. Our focus is on helping shape the frameworks, partnerships, and projects that will unlock this potential and position mining as a key driver of sustainable growth.
How excited are you about the burgeoning mining sector in Nigeria and what does this mean for your business there?
I am very excited about Nigeria’s burgeoning mining industry, because it presents enormous potential for economic diversification and sustainable growth. What makes this moment particularly interesting is the growing interest in minerals like lithium, graphite, and nickel—resources that are vital for the global energy transition. This shift has brought renewed attention to Nigeria and are seeing increasing interest from investors who want to participate in this evolving space.
Equally encouraging is the rising involvement of local investors in Nigeria’s mining industry. Unlike in the past, we are seeing local undertaking more structured and technically sound mining ventures. This shift is helping to build local capacity for exploration and project development that align with international standards.
While foreign investors remain essential for injecting capital and expertise, the increasing participation of local investors is a promising sign of the industry’s maturation. It demonstrates a growing confidence in the sector and lays the groundwork for a more sustainable, homegrown mining ecosystem that can drive long-term economic growth.
Is the Nigerian government doing the right things and sending the right messages to prospective investors in the mining sector?
The government has made commendable efforts to reposition the mining sector and attract new investment. Initiatives such as the focus on value addition, the digitalization of the Mining Cadastre Officer as a transparent licensing platform, and renewed attention to critical minerals, and intensified efforts towards curbing illegal mining are all steps in the right direction.
However, to sustain investor confidence, consistency and clarity in policy implementation are essential. Investors want to see predictability, particularly around licensing and coordination between federal and state authorities. Strengthening institutional capacity and improving inter-agency alignment will go a long way in reinforcing Nigeria’s message that it is open, ready, and stable for mining investment.
ENR is a longstanding partner and silver sponsor at the upcoming Nigeria Mining Week. How important is this annual gathering of the mining industry?
For us at ENR Advisory, continued participation in this gathering reinforces our commitment to the development and professionalisation of Nigeria’s mining industry. Beyond networking, the event offers valuable insights into emerging trends, policy direction, and investor sentiment, making it a key driver of collaboration and progress within the sector.
This year is the tenth edition of Nigeria Mining Week. Your thoughts? It is remarkable to see Nigeria Mining Week celebrate its tenth edition. This milestone reflects the growing maturity and resilience of the sector. Over the years, the Nigeria Mining Week has become the leading platform for shaping Nigeria’s mining agenda and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders. We are proud to have been part of this journey and remain committed to supporting the industry’s continued growth.
What will be your message at the event this year?
My message this year is that Nigeria’s mining industry is entering a defining phase – one that demands collaboration, innovation, and discipline. We must move from policy ambition to practical execution, with a clear focus on the key drivers that encourage investment such as regulatory clarity, infrastructure, financing, and institutional capacity, alongside value addition, local participation, and sustainable growth. If we get this right, mining can become one of the strongest pillars of Nigeria’s economic transformation