.jpg)
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to attracting strategic investments into Nigeria's solid minerals sector with its endorsement of the maiden Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo 2026, scheduled for November 19–20, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
The commitment was reiterated by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Henry Dele Alake, during the official launch of the Expo in Abuja. Represented by the Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office, Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom, the Minister also announced his acceptance to serve as Patron of the inaugural investment forum.
Earlier, the Director of Mines Environmental Compliance, Dr. Vivian Okono, represented the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo, in formally declaring the event open.
Alake described the Expo as a strategic initiative that aligns with the Federal Government's agenda of positioning Nigeria as a globally competitive investment destination, particularly in the mining sector.
He assured organisers, EnergyNet Limited, of the Ministry's unwavering support throughout the planning and execution 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.
He noted that the participation of the Federal Ministries of Industry, Trade and Investment; Power; Petroleum Resources; and Solid Minerals Development reflects the integrated nature of the investment opportunities that will be showcased at the Expo.
According to him, state governments will also use the platform to present bankable projects, infrastructure priorities and investment opportunities to local and international investors.
The Minister reiterated the Federal Government's resolve to transform the mining industry by shifting from the export of raw minerals to value addition through local processing, manufacturing and industrialisation.
He stressed that achieving the transformation would require long-term investment, modern technology and responsible investors committed to environmental sustainability, host community development, transparency and compliance with Nigeria's regulatory framework.
Speaking on behalf of EnergyNet, the company's Portfolio Manager and Head of Corporate Development, Abdoulaye Sylla, described the Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo as a project-focused annual investment platform designed to connect governments, project developers and investors.
He said market assessments indicate that Nigeria is increasingly positioned to attract greater foreign direct investment, adding that discussions at the Expo will focus on strategic infrastructure projects and multilateral initiatives, including Mission 300.
Sylla disclosed that between 500 and 600 delegates from across the world are expected to attend the inaugural edition, adding that EnergyNet is committed to making the event an annual investment platform for Nigeria.
Also speaking, Damilola Hamid Balogun, Ambassador of the Youth Energy Summit (YES!) Nigeria and Co-founder of the Youth Sustainable Development Network, underscored the importance of youth participation in implementing Nigeria's Energy Transition Plan and achieving its net-zero emissions target by 2060.
The event also recognised organisations supporting the initiative. Nextier was unveiled as the Official Advisory Partner, The Electricity Hub as the Official Media Partner, while the Nigeria Women in Mining and Resources Organisation (NIWIMNRO) received the EnergyNet Leadership Award.
The vote of thanks was delivered by the Director of Investment Promotion and Mineral Trade, Dr. Esther Udo.
The Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo is expected to provide a high-level platform for dialogue, strategic partnerships and investment across Nigeria's mining, energy and infrastructure sectors, while supporting the Federal Government's drive for economic diversification, industrialisation and sustainable value addition.