Nigeria and Japan have taken significant steps to enhance collaboration in the mining sector. Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, led a delegation to the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development in Yokohama, Japan, where they met with officials of the Japan Organisation for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC).

The meeting aimed to promote investment opportunities in Nigeria's solid minerals industry. JOGMEC President Michio Daito acknowledged Nigeria's mineral wealth but stressed the need for more information on the country's economic environment to facilitate investment decisions.

Dr. Alake highlighted recent economic reforms implemented by President Bola Tinubu's administration, which have improved the investment climate and positioned the solid minerals sector for growth.

He emphasized Nigeria's critical role in Japan's supply chain for processed minerals and urged JOGMEC to invest in the extraction and processing of minerals in Nigeria.

The minister outlined Nigeria's competitive advantages, including a highly literate and skilled workforce, critical infrastructure projects, and favorable investment conditions. He assured Japanese investors of tax holidays, waivers on import duties on mining machinery, and other incentives.

The Nigeria Solid Minerals Company, represented by its CEO, Martins Imonitie, was introduced as a key player in facilitating partnerships and investments in the sector. Both parties agreed to prioritize the exchange of technical information and explore opportunities for direct engagement.

This development paves the way for a long-term strategic partnership between Nigeria and Japan in the mining sector, with potential benefits for both countries.