ABUJA, 17 October 2025 – The 10th edition of Nigeria Mining Week, a three-day industry conference hosted by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and organised by the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), has held in Abuja.
Bringing together stakeholders across the mining value chain — from policymakers and investors to operators and development partners — the forum explored the theme “Nigeria Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance.”
Over the history of the development of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, PwC Nigeria has served as a key Knowledge broker, helping catalyse policy discussions, strengthening collaboration, and driving growth across the sector.
Speaking at the event, Cyril Azobu, Partner and Mining Leader, PwC Nigeria, said that achieving global relevance will depend on translating recent reforms into tangible outcomes.
“Nigeria has made measurable progress; however, global relevance will depend on how effectively we convert that progress into greater value addition,” Azobu said. “That means building processing capacity, deepening regional integration, and embedding technology, governance, and sustainability at the heart of the sector.”
Azobu described this year’s theme as “a bold declaration of Nigeria’s journey and ambitions.”
“Over the past decade, Nigeria has taken decisive steps to reposition mining as a key driver of economic diversification. From policy reforms to technological integration, from local empowerment to international partnerships, the journey has been both challenging and transformative. And now, as we mark this important milestone, we stand on the cusp of even greater things,” he said.
“Looking ahead, Nigeria’s focus should be on becoming a minerals’ processing and value-addition hub, where downstream industries thrive, and minerals contribute more significantly to manufacturing, exports, and employment,” Azobu said. “Global relevance will not just be defined by export volumes, but by leadership in responsible mining practices, innovation, regional integration under the AfCFTA, and participation in green energy minerals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earths that are critical to the global energy transition.”
“We are proud of our continued partnerships with the Miners Association of Nigeria, VUKA Group, and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in organising this forum. The success of this event is because of these collaborations.”
Habeeb Jaiyeola, Partner and Head of Mining Sector Business Development, PwC Nigeria — who chaired the opening session — noted that collaboration and sustained investment will shape the sector’s next phase of growth.
“For Nigeria, progress in mining is not a play of convenience but of necessity,” Jaiyeola said. “The question of how we move from progress to global relevance lies in collaboration and scale. That is converting ideas into bankable projects, closing the funding gap, and deepening partnerships that attract sustainable capital. The growing participation of the private sector is a sign of momentum, but achieving scale will depend on how effectively we collaborate across the value chain.”
Jaiyeola noted that investor confidence in Nigeria’s solid minerals industry continues to strengthen, driven by regulatory reforms, improved oversight, and targeted incentives. The upward trend in mining revenues, GDP contribution, and foreign direct investment (FDI), he added, reflects renewed optimism among both local and international players.
Marilyn Obaisa-Osula, Partner and Head of ESG/Sustainability and Climate Change Services, PwC Nigeria, made a presentation to stakeholders on “Why Sustainability Matters for Nigeria’s Mining Future.” She explained that traceability and value-chain resilience must be embedded at the core of Nigeria’s mining strategy to sustain progress and achieve global relevance.
“The solid minerals sector must approach sustainability as a key driver of competitiveness and an integral part of its core agenda,” Obaisa-Osula said. “Embedding traceability across the mining value chain does more than enhance accountability; it strengthens Nigeria’s brand as a transparent and responsible mining destination. With better data and information flows, investors can make informed decisions, local players can build trust, and the sector can compete more effectively on the global stage.”
She called for strategic community development around Nigeria’s seven critical minerals for energy transition, noting that mining communities should visibly share in the value created from their resources to ensure inclusion and stability. Drawing lessons from South Africa, she highlighted how integrating environmental stewardship, water management, and community participation can deliver sustained value for both investors and host communities.
As Nigeria Mining Week marks its 10th anniversary, PwC’s continued involvement underscores a history of commitment to catalysing reforms, bridging knowledge with execution, and positioning Nigeria’s solid minerals sector to be globally competitive, inclusive, and sustainable.
