The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II has called on global investors to take advantage of Nigeria’s vast mineral wealth, projecting the country as Africa’s emerging mining hub at the 2026 African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa.
In a press statement on Friday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare said the Ooni made the remarks while speaking during high-level engagements at the prestigious mining conference.
According to the statement, the Ooni who is also the Permanent Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) emphasised that Nigeria is undergoing a strategic transformation in the solid minerals sector, driven by regulatory reforms, stronger legislative backing and increasing private sector participation.
The Ooni, who led a delegation of federal lawmakers, state officials and industry players to the summit, stressed that sustainable mining must be rooted in community development and responsible investment.
According to him, host communities remain central to the long-term success of mining operations, urging investors to adopt inclusive models that guarantee social and economic benefits for local populations.
“Nigeria is richly endowed with mineral resources across its regions. With the reforms currently underway, the sector has become more structured, transparent and investment-friendly. We must ensure that mining activities translate into meaningful development for our communities,” he said.
At the Nigeria Pavilion, officials of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office outlined ongoing efforts to streamline licensing processes and strengthen investor confidence under the leadership of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake.
The reforms, they noted, are designed to reposition mining as a major contributor to national revenue and Gross Domestic Product.
The Minister later reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming mining into a key pillar of economic diversification, assuring investors of policy consistency and improved regulatory oversight.
He commended the collaboration between the executive and legislative arms in deepening reforms across the sector.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Senator Sampson Ekong, assured stakeholders of sustained legislative backing.
He stated that the National Assembly remains committed to enacting and amending laws that will make Nigeria’s mining sector attractive to credible investors while ensuring strict oversight and environmental responsibility.
“Our responsibility is to strengthen the legal framework and ensure that mining activities benefit host communities. We will continue to support reforms that promote eco-friendly and community-centred operations,” Ekong said.
Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory, acknowledged the sector’s progress but called for intensified efforts. She noted that although Nigeria is endowed with over 40 mineral deposits, the sector currently contributes only a small percentage to GDP.
“We have done well with recent reforms, but we can do better. The National Assembly is committed to supporting the Ministry of Solid Minerals with the necessary laws to drive growth,” she said.
Former Ogun State Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, described the Ooni as one of the most versatile traditional rulers in contemporary Nigeria.
He commended the monarch’s proactive engagement in economic development and praised the Federal Government’s mining reforms.
Also participating actively at the conference was the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, who led a delegation including the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Wale Egbedun, and other senior officials. Governor Adeleke held strategic meetings with investors, positioning Osun as a prime destination for responsible mining partnerships.
He described mining as a critical pillar in Nigeria’s broader diversification agenda and expressed readiness to partner with credible investors.
A major highlight of Nigeria’s participation was a business networking dinner attended by policymakers, traditional rulers and global industry leaders, where discussions centred on unlocking Nigeria’s mineral potential and strengthening international partnerships.
Signed;
Otunba Moses Olafare,
Director, Media & Public Affairs,
Ooni’s Palace,
Ile-Ife.
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