Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has engaged stakeholders in the solid minerals sector on the development, export potentials of Nigeria’s solid minerals and it’s potential to diversify the economy.
The engagement meeting tagged “Strategic engagement on solid minerals development for export competitiveness” was held in Keffi local government area of Nasarawa State on Wednesday.
Mrs Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, NEPC represented by the Council’s Director, Solid Minerals Directorate, Mr Samson Idowu explained that despite the huge potential of solid minerals, the sector is still facing numerous challenges hence the engagement to proffer a way forward on maximizing the potential of solid minerals in the country.
“Some of these challenges include informal activities, lack of funding, inadequate mining technology, lack of quality and standard, insufficient geological data and capacity building to mention a few,” She said.
She added that NEPC’s mandate is to promote the diversification and development of Nigeria’s export base and the engagement meeting is a critical step or platform for stakeholders in the solid minerals sector to come together and share ideas tilted towards on the need for value addition along the value chain.
“Our strategic priorities include on promotion for value addition. We believe that we need to maximize the benefits of export and we must prioritize value addition across solid minerals value chain.
“This will not only increase export earnings but also create more jobs as well as foreign exchange earnings for us as a nation and for our respective businesses. Secondly, we believe in strengthening export capacity. Thirdly we believe in provision of market access,” She added.
She then assured stakeholders that NEPC is committed to enhancing value chain of solid minerals sector for global market, establishment of mineral clustards among others through effective participation and collaboration with federal and states ministries of solid minerals.
In his Welcome remarks, Mr Aliyu Orji, NEPC Nasarawa state Coordinator represented by Dr Itodo Daniel, an officer of the council in the state said the event is not only important but also critical in the present day Nigeria where the nation is looking on non-oil sector to improve the economy.
“Nasarawa State is endowed with various solid minerals and is poised to become a major hub for solid minerals value addition as the state is home to the biggest lithium processing plant in the country,” he said.
He added that solid minerals development is critical in the Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda and NEPC will continue to work with critical stakeholders to reposition the sector in the quest to diversify the economy through exportation of valued added solid minerals products to significantly increase its contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.
In a Goodwill Remark, Prof Adesoji Adesugba, President, Geological Institute of Nigeria represented by Mrs Titilayo Ibitoye said the engagement represents a pivotal moment in the shared commitment to unlocking the vast, yet underutilized, potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector—particularly the gemstone industry.
“As key stakeholders, we recognize the immense wealth beneath our soil and the even greater value that can be realized through expertise, structured development, and strategic collaboration.
“The gemstones and broader solid minerals industry offer not only economic opportunity but also a pathway to job creation, youth empowerment, and sustainable diversification of Nigeria’s economy.
“To harness this potential, we must strengthen partnerships across the value chain—from miners and processors to marketers, exporters, and our local communities. We commend NEPC for providing this platform for meaningful dialogue, innovation, and shared purpose.
“We look forward to exchanging ideas, learning from one another, and working hand in hand to position Nigeria as a globally competitive hub for high-value solid minerals export,” he said.
Our reporter gathered that among the papers presented was “Promoting the potentials of Solid Minerals Exports through Clustering & Aggregation” delivered Director, Solid Minerals, Mr Samson Idowu.
The paper dwelt on benefits, the role of government in cluster formation, benefits of clusters, urgency to institutionalize Clustering as a basis for increasing non oil export.
Other papers presented included the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) promotion of export of Solid Minerals as well as “Access to Financial Opportunities in Bank of Industry.
After the engagement, it was resolved that Stakeholders in the Solid Minerals should be members of State Committee on Export Promotion and at least one solid Minerals should be adopted for promotion END