Abuja, Jan. 14, 2026 – Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, says the federal government is positioning Nigeria as a leading solid minerals hub in Africa and a key global partner in minerals essential for the transition to green energy.
He said this was the key reason for the current emphasis on the establishment of lithium processing and gold refining facilities across the country.
The minister said this during a meeting with Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, the Saudi Arabian Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, ahead of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
He said the country’s value-addition policy was already producing desired outcomes as a high-purity gold refinery is now operational in Lagos, while three additional refineries at various stages of development.
Alake also said a $600 million lithium processing plant was ready for inauguration in Nasarawa State.
He commended Saudi Arabia for its role in promoting collaboration among countries in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe through the FMF, while expressing Nigeria’s eagerness to deepen its partnership with the Kingdom.
“There are areas where Saudi Arabia excels and others where Nigeria has advantages.
“We are keen to structure agreements that foster meaningful and constructive engagement.
“Key focus areas include capacity building, training of mining professionals, technology transfer, and exploration, where Saudi Arabia has demonstrated expertise,” he said.
While responding, Al-Khorayef said Saudi Arabia was also interested in longstanding partnership with Nigeria and called for practical and actionable agreements on solid minerals development.
He also suggested a memorandum of understanding between the two countries based on prior engagements.
