Nigeria is stepping up efforts to reposition its mining sector as a pillar of economic diversification, with the forthcoming Solid Minerals Excellence Awards set to promote safe and sustainable practices across the industry.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, endorsed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that supports responsible mining while boosting transparency, investor confidence and global competitiveness.
The event, themed “Unlocking the Future,” is scheduled to hold on May 14 at the Abuja Continental Hotel, and is expected to attract policymakers, international investors, members of the diplomatic corps and industry leaders.
Organisers say the awards go beyond recognition, serving as a strategic platform to spotlight the solid minerals sector as Nigeria looks beyond oil dependency.
They noted that while oil has long dominated national discourse, critical resources such as lithium, gold, limestone and rare earth metals are increasingly positioning the country as a key player in global industrial and technological supply chains.
Backed by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the initiative will honour companies and innovators contributing to the sector’s transformation and the broader push for economic diversification.
Project Coordinator Femi Da-Silva said the awards aim to give long-overdue recognition to industry players who have quietly driven development.
“We are bringing glamour, prestige and national spotlight to the sector,” he said, noting that the timing aligns with ongoing reforms aimed at transitioning mining from largely artisanal operations to a formal, high-value industry.
According to him, the awards will also highlight improvements in safety standards, regulatory compliance and investment inflows, positioning Nigeria as an increasingly attractive destination for global mining capital.
Award categories include The Titan (Leading Mining Company of the Year), The Green Shield (Excellence in Sustainable and Safe Operations), and The Visionary (Outstanding Contribution to Sector Growth).
Da-Silva added that as Nigeria pivots toward a post-oil economy, the initiative serves as a benchmark for progress and a signal to the international community.
“The message is clear: Nigeria is open for business, and its wealth is solid,” he said.
