Nigeria has taken a significant step towards unlocking the economic potential of its critical mineral resources after the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) 2026 produced a landmark report that charts a roadmap for building a globally competitive critical minerals industry capable of driving the country’s clean energy transition and green industrialisation.
The report, prepared by the Council for Critical Minerals Development in the Global South, was formally presented to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, during the fifth edition of AFNIS 2026 in Abuja.
Receiving the report, Alake described it as a strategic document that aligns with the federal government’s vision of transforming Nigeria’s vast mineral endowment into a catalyst for industrial development, value addition, job creation and sustainable economic growth.
The report outlines practical policy recommendations aimed at strengthening governance across the critical minerals value chain, attracting responsible investment, promoting local processing and beneficiation, deepening technology transfer, and positioning Nigeria as a major player in the global energy transition.
According to the minister, the recommendations reinforce ongoing reforms by the Federal Government to reposition the solid minerals sector as a key contributor to economic diversification away from oil dependence.
He noted that Nigeria possesses significant deposits of strategic minerals required for clean energy technologies, including lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite and rare earth elements, stressing that the government’s priority is to ensure these resources generate greater domestic value through processing and manufacturing rather than the export of raw minerals.
Alake said the ministry remains committed to implementing policies that encourage responsible mining, strengthen regulatory oversight, improve investor confidence and foster partnerships capable of accelerating industrialisation.
He commended the Council for Critical Minerals Development in the Global South for producing a comprehensive report that provides practical recommendations for developing the sector while ensuring environmental sustainability and inclusive economic growth.
The minister added that the report would serve as an important reference document as the government continues implementing reforms designed to position Nigeria as a preferred destination for investment in critical minerals and clean energy value chains.
The presentation of the report formed one of the major highlights of AFNIS 2026, which brought together policymakers, industry leaders, investors and development partners to discuss strategies for unlocking Africa’s natural resources to support industrial growth, energy security and sustainable development.
