ABUJA – The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has declared that responsible and sustainable mining will prove critical to Nigeria’s economic transformation as the nation accelerates its push to reduce reliance on oil.
Speaking during the maiden edition of the Solid Minerals Excellence Awards (SOMEA 2026) in Abuja, Mr Alake endorsed the initiative as a strategic platform supporting ongoing mining reforms and economic diversification.
“Our past is a story already told. Our future shall be written in gold,” he said, noting that the awards recognise individuals, institutions, and companies championing sustainability, innovation, and community development within the mining sector.
Organised in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, SOMEA 2026 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 based on the Quadruple Helix Model, incorporating industry, government, academia, and civil society.
“This structure ensured our deliberations balanced commercial realities, policy context, academic standards, and social impact,” he explained, urging winners to leverage the recognition to attract investment and expand sector growth.
The President of SOMEA, Dr Oladunni Owo, said the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu, had made mining a central pillar of Nigeria’s prosperity agenda. She emphasised the awards’ focus on environmental, social, and governance principles, occupational safety, local content, and community inclusion, while also recognising artisanal mining cooperatives and women operators.
Winners and institutional honourees
Notable winners included:
· 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 of Kian Smith Mine Ltd was named ASM Outstanding Woman of the Year, while Hajia Huwa of Hahaibs Nigerian Limited received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Institutional honourees included 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 noted that discussions from SOMEA 2026 continue to shape investment, regulation, and community engagement, reinforcing confidence in Nigeria’s diversification drive through solid minerals development.
