The Nigerian government and the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) have teamed up to support mining investments and boost the country’s mineral sector. The agreement, signed at the Nigerian Mining Week, aims to provide funding and expertise for early-stage mining projects, paving the way for these projects to reach full-scale operations. The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, emphasized the importance of financing mining projects and highlighted the need to shift attention from oil to solid minerals. He also stressed the impact of electric vehicles and climate change on the demand for oil. The executive secretary/CEO of Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), Fatima Umaru Shinkafi, described the partnership as a pivotal step towards harnessing Nigeria’s mineral wealth. The president/CEO of AFC, Samaila Zubairu, expressed the potential for mining development in Nigeria and outlined plans to unlock the country’s mineral wealth through joint financing and technical support.
