PRESS CONFERENCE: ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY OF SOLID MINERALS DEVELOPMENT

ENGR. FARUK YUSUF YABO AT THE FIRST PRESS BRIEFING IN PREPARATORY FOR THE FORTHCOMING 10TH EDITION OF THE NIGERIAN MINING WEEK SCHEDULED TO HOLD FROM 13TH TO 15TH OCTOBER 2025 AT THE ABUJA CONTINENTAL HOTEL 

Protocols 

• The President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, 

• The Event Director from VUKA Group, 

• Our distinguished partners from PwC Nigeria, 

• Directors and senior officials of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, 

• Members of the press, 

• Ladies and gentlemen. 

It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this first press conference for the 10th edition of Nigeria Mining Week, scheduled to hold here in Abuja from the 13th to 15th of October, 2025.

UNVEILING THE THEME 

Today marks the formal launch of this year’s event, and it is my honour to unveil the official theme of the 2025 Nigeria Mining Week: 

“Nigeria Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance.” 

This theme captures both our achievements and our aspirations. Over the past ten years, Nigeria Mining Week has grown from a modest industry gathering into a flagship platform that convenes government, investors, operators, and development partners. As we enter the next decade, our focus is clear: to scale up the industry, ensure sustainability, drive value addition, and firmly position Nigeria as a globally relevant mining hub. 

THE ROLE OF THE MINISTRY 

The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development is proud to serve as the Host Ministry of this event. This is not just symbolic—it reflects the government’s commitment to making mining a central pillar of Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda as reflected in the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of Mr. President, and identified the mining sector as one of the sectors to drive the diversification of our economy away from oil. 

With our rich mineral endowment, Nigeria is ready for responsible and profitable mining investment. Our legal frameworks are being strengthened, our licensing processes are being streamlined, and we are deepening partnerships to ensure that investors find both security and sustainability in our mining environment. 

WHY THIS CONFERENCE MATTERS 

This initial press briefing serves several strategic purposes: 

• It formally launches the messaging for this year’s Nigeria Mining Week. 

• It signals the government’s endorsement and commitment to the event and the sector. 

• It ensures that industry stakeholders, investors, and the wider public begin to engage early with the opportunities that October’s event will present. 

As we speak today, our partners—the Miners Association of Nigeria, VUKA Group, and PwC Nigeria—are all working with us to deliver a world-class event that will highlight Nigeria’s progress and future potential in mining.

THE INVESTABILITY OF NIGERIA’S MINING SECTOR 

Nigeria’s mining industry is no longer a hidden frontier. With over 44 distinct mineral types identified across the federation, the sector represents one of the most exciting investment destinations on the African continent.

But beyond raw extraction, our vision is clear: 

• To scale production responsibly; 
• To build sustainable value chains;
• To promote beneficiation and value addition within Nigeria; 
• To ensure that mining contributes meaningfully to our national GDP, job creation, and community development; 
• And to embed global best practices in environmental and social governance.

This year’s Nigeria Mining Week will provide a platform to demonstrate this investability to local and international stakeholders. 

LOOKING AHEAD 

In October, Nigeria will once again host policymakers, financiers, miners, explorers, technology providers, and development partners. Together, we will review the past decade of progress, set the tone for the future, and reaffirm Nigeria’s place in the global mining community.  

I invite all stakeholders—local and international—to participate fully in this landmark 10th edition. The decade ahead is one of potential and opportunity, and Nigeria welcomes those who will join us on this journey. 

In closing, I want to thank our partners—the Miners Association of Nigeria, VUKA Group, and PwC Nigeria—for their continued collaboration, and to thank members of the press for being here today. Your role in sharing this message is invaluable in amplifying Nigeria’s story and opportunities in the mining sector. 

On behalf of the Honourable Minister and the entire Ministry, I declare the Nigeria Mining Week 2025 officially launched. 

Thank you. 

Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo,  

Permanent Secretary 

Ministry of Solid Minerals Development