ABUJA – The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has stated that responsible and sustainable mining will be instrumental to Nigeria’s economic future, as the country intensifies efforts to reduce its reliance on oil.
Mr Alake made the remarks while endorsing the inaugural Solid Minerals Excellence Awards (SOMEA 2026) at the Abuja Continental Hotel. He described the awards as a strategic platform supporting the government’s mining reform and economic diversification agenda.
“Our past is a story already told. Our future shall be written in gold,” he said, adding that the initiative recognises individuals, institutions, and companies advancing sustainability, innovation, and community development within the mining sector.
SOMEA 2026, organised in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, honoured operators, investors, cooperatives, and institutions contributing to Nigeria’s non-oil economy.
Independent assessment framework
The Chairman of the SOMEA 2026 Jury, Professor Olatunji Akinade, said winners emerged through an independent assessment process based on the Quadruple Helix Model, which involves industry, government, academia, and civil society.
“This structure ensured our deliberations balanced commercial realities, policy context, academic standards, and social impact,” he said, urging winners to leverage the recognition to attract investment and expand sector growth.
The President of SOMEA, Dr Oladunni Owo, noted that under President Bola Tinubu, the mining sector had become central to the Federal Government’s diversification plans.
“The Federal Government has made it clear that mining will be a pillar of Nigeria’s prosperity,” she said, emphasising that the awards highlight environmental, social, and governance principles, occupational safety, local content, and community inclusion. She also noted recognition for artisanal mining cooperatives and women operators.
Full list of award winners
· Avatar New Energy Materials Co. Ltd – Mining and Processing Company of the Year (Lithium)
· Mosra Energy – Coal Mining Company of the Year
· BUA Cement Plc – Limestone/Cement category
· Segilola Resources Operating Ltd – Gold Mining Company of the Year and Outstanding Gold Producer of the Year
· African Natural Resources and Mines Ltd – Most Innovative Mining Company of the Year and Outstanding Performer in Occupational Health and Safety
· Kian Smith Mine Ltd – Gold Aggregating Company of the Year (Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining)
· Mrs Nere Emiko (Kian Smith Mine Ltd) – ASM Outstanding Woman of the Year
· Hajia Huwa (Hahaibs Nigerian Limited) – Lifetime Achievement Award
The event also honoured several institutions supporting regulation and sector development, including the Solid Minerals Development Fund, the Mining Cadastre Office, the Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geo-sciences, and the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency.
Industry stakeholders observed that discussions from SOMEA 2026 continue to shape investment, regulation, and community engagement, adding that the event has strengthened confidence in Nigeria’s economic diversification drive through solid minerals development.
