Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, says the establishment of lithium processing and gold refining plants across the country is positioning Nigeria as Africa’s leading minerals supply hub and a key global partner in minerals needed for the green energy transition.
Alake made the statement during a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Mr. Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, ahead of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) in Riyadh.
He said Nigeria’s value-addition policy is already delivering results, with a high-purity gold refinery currently operating in Lagos, three more gold refineries under development, and a $600 million lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State ready for commissioning.
The minister commended Saudi Arabia for using the FMF to expand collaboration among countries across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe, adding that Nigeria is keen to deepen cooperation with the Kingdom by leveraging areas of comparative advantage in solid minerals development.
According to Alake, priority areas for partnership include capacity building, training of mining professionals, technology transfer and exploration, where Saudi Arabia has developed notable expertise. He noted that Nigeria’s vast landmass is rich in critical minerals and rare earth elements required by the global economy, stressing the need for partnerships built on fairness, equity and mutual benefit.
He also disclosed that following engagements after FMF 2025, a joint working group involving the Nigerian delegation and the Saudi Chamber of Commerce has been active over the past year and is set to present its report before the end of the current forum.
Alake further identified mineral traceability, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards, and mine-pit remediation as key areas requiring collaboration, noting that strong traceability systems enhance investor confidence and should be central to any agreement.
In his remarks, Al-Khorayef reaffirmed Nigeria’s long-standing relationship with Saudi Arabia and supported the idea of a practical and actionable agreement on solid minerals development. He proposed that the working group prepare a draft Memorandum of Understanding for possible signing on the sidelines of the conference.
He also encouraged Nigeria to use the FMF platform to showcase mining investment opportunities to Saudi investors, while urging African countries to adopt advanced mining technologies, an area in which he said Nigeria could benefit from Saudi Arabia’s experience.