The Federal Government has unveiled the Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo 2026 as a strategic platform to attract local and foreign investment into the nation’s mining industry, describing the initiative as a major step towards accelerating growth in the solid minerals sector and positioning Nigeria as a globally competitive investment destination.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, stated this at the official launch of the maiden edition of the Expo in Abuja, where he also accepted to serve as Patron of the investment forum. Alake was represented by the Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office, Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom.
In his address, Alake described the Expo as a timely initiative that aligns with the Federal Government’s agenda of attracting strategic investment, diversifying the economy and unlocking the full potential of the solid minerals sector.
He assured the organisers, EnergyNet Limited, of the ministry’s full support throughout the planning and implementation of the event.
“Our support will not end with today’s launch. The Ministry will continue to interface with EnergyNet Limited and relevant institutions throughout the preparatory period to ensure that the event is properly coordinated and capable of delivering tangible outcomes beyond speeches and ceremonial participation,” the minister said.
Alake noted that the participation of the Federal Ministries of Industry, Trade and Investment; Power; Petroleum Resources; and Solid Minerals Development reflects the broad investment opportunities that will be showcased during the Expo.
He added that state governments would also use the platform to present bankable projects, infrastructure priorities and investment opportunities to prospective local and international investors.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s policy direction for the mining industry, Alake said Nigeria is deliberately moving away from exporting raw minerals to promoting value addition through processing, manufacturing and industrialisation.
According to him, transforming the sector requires patient capital, advanced technology and responsible investors committed to complying with Nigerian laws, protecting host communities, preserving the environment and operating transparently.
Declaring the event open on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo, the Director of Mines Environmental Compliance, Dr Vivian Okono, described the Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo as the beginning of a process that would bring together government institutions, investors, businesses and other stakeholders to harness Nigeria’s economic opportunities.
She said the Expo would serve as a common platform for sectors whose activities are closely linked, stressing that sustained collaboration among public institutions and industry players would be critical to unlocking investment opportunities and driving economic growth.
Okono noted that the Ministry was hosting the first public engagement as part of its responsibility to support the planning process, maintain close collaboration with the organisers, EnergyNet Limited, and facilitate the participation of relevant institutions and stakeholders.
She said the briefing marked the commencement of an open and structured engagement designed to formally introduce the Expo, update stakeholders on preparations and lay the foundation for sustained collaboration ahead of the event.
The director also called on the media to play an active role in promoting the initiative, saying journalists have a responsibility to broaden public awareness, stimulate informed discussions on investment opportunities and project Nigeria’s productive sectors to local and international audiences.
According to her, accurate and professional reporting by the media would be crucial to ensuring that the objectives of the Expo resonate beyond the conference venue and attract the attention of prospective investors across the world.
Speaking on behalf of EnergyNet, the company’s Portfolio Manager and Head of Corporate Development, Abdoulaye Sylla, said the Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo is designed as an annual project-focused platform that will connect investors directly with government institutions and project developers.
He explained that market assessments indicate Nigeria is increasingly well-positioned to attract greater foreign direct investment, with discussions expected to focus on strategic infrastructure projects and multilateral initiatives, including Mission 300.
Sylla disclosed that between 500 and 600 delegates from around the world are expected to attend the inaugural edition scheduled for November 19 and 20, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, adding that EnergyNet is committed to making the Expo a long-term annual investment platform for Nigeria.
Also speaking, Ambassador of the Youth Energy Summit (YES!) Nigeria and Co-founder of the Youth Sustainable Development Network, Damilola Hamid Balogun, stressed the importance of youth participation in implementing Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan and achieving the country’s net-zero emissions target by 2060.
The event also recognised strategic partners supporting the initiative, with Nextier named Official Advisory Partner, The Electricity Hub unveiled as Official Media Partner, while the Nigeria Women in Mining and Resources Organisation received EnergyNet’s Leadership Award.