*Samson Idowu, Director of the Solid Minerals Department at NEPC.
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has urged stakeholders to prioritise value addition, skills development and strict adherence to international standards if the country is to significantly expand its solid minerals exports and maximise the sector’s contribution to national development.
Samson Idowu, Director of the Solid Minerals Department at NEPC, made the call while presenting a paper titled “The Impact of Solid Minerals Exports on National Development” at the 11th Nigeria Mining Week held in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, themed “Unlocking Investment and Growth through Partnerships,” Idowu stressed that Nigeria must move beyond the export of raw minerals. He argued that investing in local processing would raise foreign exchange earnings, generate jobs and make Nigerian mineral products more competitive in global markets.
“Local processing of mineral resources would create employment opportunities and enable Nigeria to retain more economic benefits from its natural resources,” he said.
Idowu highlighted NEPC’s ongoing capacity-building efforts. In 2025 alone, the council reached more than 97,000 people across the export value chain through 728 training programmes. These covered export documentation, quality standards, packaging, labelling, mentorship and other practical skills needed to participate effectively in international trade, including those specific to the solid minerals sector.
He also called for greater adoption of digital technologies in mining operations and business processes, noting that this would open opportunities for engineers and other professionals. Promoting women’s participation in the sector and improving their access to technology, training and business opportunities was another priority he emphasised.
On the artisanal and small-scale mining segment, Idowu advocated formalisation through registration and cooperative structures. This, he said, would help miners access institutional support and engage more effectively in the export market. He further underscored the importance of maintaining cordial relations with host communities and adopting technologies that support responsible and sustainable mining practices.
Stronger collaboration among government agencies, mining operators and other stakeholders is essential, Idowu added, to improve regional trade, coordinate policies and expand access to international markets. Compliance with regulations, transparent business practices and sustainable operations, he noted, are critical to building investor confidence and strengthening Nigeria’s position in global mineral markets.
“Stakeholders must work together to develop a competitive solid minerals sector capable of generating foreign exchange, creating jobs and contributing to economic diversification,” he concluded.
The 11th Nigeria Mining Week was organised by the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) in partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Nigeria and the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), with The Miners Magazine as media partner.
The conference brought together industry players focused on attracting investment and driving growth through partnerships in the solid minerals sector.
