Friday 30th October 2026
By inAfrika Newsroom
Discussions at Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja on 12–14 October 2026 put a practical question before investors and government: what would make Nigeria’s mineral resources attractive to financiers while creating stronger domestic industries?
Organisers said the three-day gathering at Abuja Continental Hotel concentrated on bankable projects, better geological information, regulation, access to energy and the transport links mining companies need to move from exploration to production.
At the opening, PwC Nigeria’s mining leader Cyril Azobu emphasised the importance of developing investable projects and building more value at home instead of relying largely on unprocessed mineral exports. Those ambitions depend on more than a mineral discovery; banks and industrial partners need credible data, permits, a workable budget and reliable routes to market.
Segilola Resources’ country manager Austin Menegbo outlined operational pressures including infrastructure, overlapping approvals and security. In the organisers’ account, the mine reported producing 91,910 ounces of gold in 2025 and said Nigerian nationals represented 99% of its workforce.
The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency’s director-general, Professor Olusegun Ige, highlighted the need to improve exploration information and make more geological data available. For small and junior explorers, a reliable starting picture of a deposit can reduce uncertainty before expensive field campaigns begin.
The programme also examined mine-to-market links for gemstones, gold and steel, including refining, responsible sourcing, electricity and logistics. Women working in extractive industries discussed access to technical, operational and leadership opportunities.
The event concluded in mid-October, so the next test is whether the proposals translate into measurable improvements in licensing, finance, operating infrastructure and local processing. Similar challenges are familiar across African mining economies seeking to retain more value from raw materials.
These priorities were described in the organisers’ 14 October news release. Further information about the conference is available from Nigeria Mining Week.
Original issuing organisation: Nigeria Mining Week. This coverage reflects the organisation’s earlier 2026 release and identifies proposed actions separately from verified outcomes.
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