Stakeholders canvass for policy framework to regulate mining

From Isaac Job, Uyo

Stakeholders have urged the federal government to formulate policies and regulations for mining operations as the quest for mineral resources is expected to increase by 2040.

Speaking during the National Extractive Dialogue 2025 (NED) held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, on the theme “Transitions, divestments and critical minerals: Charting a just future for Nigeria’s extractive sector,” stakeholders maintained that harnessing Nigeria’s critical minerals is necessary for the global clean energy transition.

The stakeholder engagement, organised by the non-governmental organisation Space for Change in collaboration with the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), and the Ford Foundation in the United States, emphasised the need for a coordinated roadmap to govern the extraction and utilisation of mineral resources.

In his remarks, the House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Solid Minerals, Hon. Gaza Gbefwi, said, citing an International Energy Agency (IEA) report, that the demand for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and rare earth elements is projected to increase by 2040.

“The global transition to clean energy has intensified the race for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and rare earth elements. These minerals are essential inputs in electric vehicles (EVs), solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage. By 2040, demand for these minerals is projected to increase,” he said.

According to him, countries like Australia, Chile, Namibia, and DR Congo are already positioning themselves to benefit from this trend.

The Chairman noted that while Nigeria has confirmed reserves of lithium, niobium, and tin, the country lacks a National Critical Minerals Policy, local refining capacity, and sufficient geological data.

Gbefwi promised to provide legislative leadership, monitor the implementation of mining reforms, and facilitate public hearings to ensure inclusive policymaking.

In another goodwill message, the Executive Secretary/CEO of NEITI, Dr Orji Orji, said the agency has launched a Data Centre to provide real-time, automated, and centralised extractive sector data, which will support transparency and accountability.

He emphasised the need for a coordinated approach to address the challenges and opportunities arising from the global shift to clean energy, divestments, and the growing demand for critical minerals.

The Director General of NOSDRA, Chukwuemeka Woke, highlighted the critical moment Nigeria’s extractive sector is facing as the world shifts towards low-carbon energy systems.

He said over 26 divestment deals involving major international oil companies (IOCs) have been initiated or concluded since 2020, transferring oil blocks and infrastructure valued at over $10 billion.

Woke called for clear divestment protocols, environmental audits, and enforceable post-exit obligations.

While welcoming participants, the Director of Space for Change, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, said as the world races for energy transition, Nigeria must make informed choices on regulation, environmental accountability, and community protection to avoid repeating past mistakes.