In a strategic move to fortify Nigeria’s standing in the global solid minerals sector, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake, has spearheaded a high-level delegation to engage in talks with the Commonwealth Secretariat. The discussions, driven by Alake’s commitment to garner international support, specifically centered around unlocking the lucrative potential of deep-sea mining in Nigeria’s coastal waters.
The Commonwealth Secretariat, during the courtesy visit, presented compelling prospects for deep-sea mining, emphasizing the wealth of minerals, including copper, cobalt, nickel, gold, and rare earth elements, that could be harnessed from Nigeria’s coastal region.
Dr. Alake underscored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recognition of the solid minerals sector as a pivotal element in diversifying Nigeria’s economy. He outlined key initiatives from the ministry’s Seven Point Agenda, such as the establishment of a solid minerals company, comprehensive big data collection on mineral reserves, enhanced security measures for mining safety, and socio-economic development of mining communities through effective community development agreements.
Expressing gratitude for the Commonwealth’s wealth of experience, Alake urged the institution to support the Tinubu administration’s endeavors in solid mineral development.
Senior Director of the Trade, Oceans, and Natural Resources Department at the Commonwealth Secretariat, Paul Kautoke, commended the delegation’s visit and expressed optimism about Nigeria exploring profitable opportunities in deep-sea mining.
The forum also featured insights from Commonwealth representatives, including Director of Natural Resources Victor Kitange, Trade and Investment Adviser Opeyemi Abebe, Economic Adviser Daniel Wilder, and Ocean Governance Adviser Allison Swaddling. Commonwealth experts highlighted global progress in deep-sea mining and expressed concerns about Africa’s lagging participation.
In response, Minister Alake recognized the need for a new approach to mineral development and committed to collaborating with other ministries to comprehensively study the dimensions of deep-sea mining.
