Nigeria's Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has called on African nations to stop exporting raw minerals and instead prioritise local processing to drive industrial growth and job creation.
Speaking at the 4th African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit in Abuja, Alake stressed that unprocessed mineral exports deprive the continent of economic benefits and technological advancement.
Highlighting Nigeria's reforms, he announced that 867 mining licences were issued in the first quarter of 2025, generating N6.95 billion in revenue. The Mining Cadastre Office received over 10,000 applications, processed 955, and approved licences for exploration, small-scale mining, quarrying, and large-scale operations.
Alake urged African countries to embrace resource sovereignty, noting that Africa's mineral wealth should fuel development on the continent, not abroad.
In the energy sector, the Federal Government secured $5.91 million in grants under the Africa Mini-Grid Programme, while new meter test stations and solar PV training initiatives are underway to boost electrification and clean energy access.
Nigeria remains committed to universal energy access, net-zero emissions by 2060, and regional power integration across West Africa.
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