Over 2,000 professionals, exhibitors and firms are among other critical stakeholders from Nigeria, other African countries, and major mining destinations around the world expected at the upcoming Nigeria Mining Week slated for 16th – 18th October, 2023 in Abuja, with the theme: “Capitalising on Nigeria’s Critical Mineral Resources for Economic Growth.”
The 2023 edition, which is the eight in the annual series, will focus attention on critical mineral resources vital to Nigeria’s economic growth.
This year’s Nigeria Mining Week, according to the organisers, is expected to have in attendance participants from major mining countries such as India, UAE and China, and South Africa.
The permanent secretary, Nigerian Ministry of Solid Minerals, MoSD, Dr Mary Ogbe made this known while speaking at a pre-event briefing held at the headquarters of the ministry in Abuja on Wednesday.
She said, “This event promises to be a significant platform for key stakeholders in the mining industry to converge and discuss the pivotal roles that Nigeria’s critical mineral resources play in fostering economic growth and sustainable development.”
Buttressing the importance of the Nigeria Mining Week to national development, Dr Ogbe urged those who may want to key into the event to register at www.nigeriaminingweek.com, saying it serves as a unique platform that brings together various stakeholders to engage in insightful discussions, knowledge sharing, and collaboration aimed at unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s mining Industry.
“With a rich history of mineral resources, Nigeria stands poised to harness its mineral wealth for sustainable economic growth and development,” she noted.
She said the event will showcase the diverse investment opportunities and prospects available in the Nigerian mineral sector, while reiterating government’s commitment to creating a conducive business environment, adding that the exhibition will present to potential investors an array of mining related cutting-edge technologies, products, and services.
In his address on behalf of VUKA Group, which co-organises the annual event alongside PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the Miners Association of Nigeria in conjunction with the ministry, Event director, Samuel Madlabane, said the Nigeria Mining Week was important for building a sustainable mining industry.
He noted that the prospects of unlocking the sector’s full potential goes beyond mere economic diversification to stimulating creation of new infrastructure projects and contributing significantly to the country’s GDP.
On his part, head of Mining Sector and Business Development at PwC, Habeeb Jaiyeola, represented by assistant director, Chuma Amazigo, said that experts, policymakers, investors, innovators, academics, and community leaders will engage in thought-provoking discussions and dialogues.
“These conversations will encompass a wide array of topics, ranging from regulatory frameworks and technological innovations to social responsibility and environmental conservation. It is through such comprehensive and collaborative efforts that we can shape the trajectory of Nigeria’s mining industry,” he said.
In his remarks, the president, Miners Association of Nigeria, MAN, Dele Ayanleke, said the outcomes of the successive Mining Week events held over the years had contributed immensely to policy formulation and implementation with regards to how best to move the sector forward for the desired economic growth.
“This occasion may not permit the enumeration of the various conversations that had contributed, and still contributing, to policy initiatives in the industry; but you will bear witness with me that the communiques emanating from the various editions of this annual event had constituted a major ingredient to policy decisions changing the sectoral narratives and gradually shaping the Nigerian mining landscape,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to the ministry, PwC, VUKA Group among others who are partnering with MAN to make sure that this year’s Nigeria Mining Week is a success.