Alake: Solid Minerals Excellence Awards will advance responsible mining practices in Nigeria

*Dr. Oladele Alake, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development, says the objectives of the Ministry’s forthcoming Solid Minerals Excellence Awards are aligned with national priorities to improve transparency, strengthen investor confidence and boost Nigeria’s global competitiveness

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

As Nigeria gradually gravitates towards a post-oil reality, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD), has said its upcoming maiden Solid Minerals Excellence Awards (SOMEA) will advance responsible, safe and sustainable mining practices.

The Ministry disclosed the awards with the theme, “Unlocking the Future”, which is scheduled to hold May 2026, would unveil winners across high-impact categories that reflect the sector’s direction.

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Dr. Oladele Alake, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development, noted this in a statement issued Friday, April 24, 2026, in Abuja, FCT.

Lara Wise, Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, in the statement, noted Alake said the Ministry endorsed the awards as an initiative designed to encourage professionalism in the solid minerals sector of the Nigerian economy.

The Minister also explained that SOMEA’s objectives aligned with national priorities to improve transparency, strengthen investor confidence and boost Nigeria’s global competitiveness.

Core objectives of SOMEA, by Alake

Alake disclosed the administration of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to sanitise the sector, and reposition it to contribute significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The statement further noted that the awards, scheduled to hold May 2026, aim to celebrate formalisation, improved safety standards, and increased investments, positioning Nigeria as a highly attractive destination for global mining capital.

He stated: “As Nigeria gradually pivots towards a post-oil reality, the Solid Minerals Excellence Awards stand as a definitive checkpoint for progress.

“The message is clear: Nigeria is open for business, and our wealth is solid.”

With winners across high-impact categories, reflecting the sector’s direction, the Ministry said categories to be honoured include Leading Mining Company of the Year, Excellence in Sustainable and Safe Operations, and Outstanding Contribution to Sector Growth, among others.

The awards as well aim to promote best practices in mining and mineral processing, encourage sustainability, environmental stewardship and community engagement, attract investment to boost sector growth, and enhance Nigeria’s global reputation in the solid minerals industry.