By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Nigeria Union of Mines Workers (NUMW) has participated in the ongoing 11th Nigeria Mining Week in Ab...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Nigeria Union of Mines Workers (NUMW) has participated in the ongoing 11th Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja to attract investors to the mining sector and promote investment opportunities capable of creating jobs and boosting economic growth.
The event, which brings together stakeholders from the corporate and commercial sectors, provides a platform for discussions on investment opportunities, partnerships, and strategies to strengthen Nigeria’s mining industry.
The union was represented by its General Secretary, Comrade Mustapha G. Yahaya; Deputy President, Comrade Shu’aibu Yusuf; and National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ndagi Alhaji Ndagi.
The 11th Nigeria Mining Week, described as a premier business-to-business (B2B) mining investment conference and exhibition in Nigeria, is organised by the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) in partnership with PwC Nigeria, with the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) serving as its transparency partner. The event is hosted by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
The edition is expected to attract more than 3,000 delegates from over 40 countries, alongside more than 90 sponsors and exhibitors, and features seven strategic forums.
For NUMW, the event provides an important opportunity to engage with credible investors, financiers, development partners, equipment suppliers, and government agencies to explore potential partnerships in mining investment projects.
The union’s representatives expressed optimism that the engagements would identify reputable investors capable of partnering with the union on viable mining projects.
According to the union, such partnerships could create sustainable employment opportunities for its members and the wider Nigerian youth population through structured mining operations and value-addition projects.
The union also seeks to establish direct links with funding agencies, commodity traders, and off-takers to help reduce investment risks and improve the bankability of mining projects.
In addition, NUMW intends to engage stakeholders in advocating a business-friendly environment that supports the formalisation of mining activities, local content development, compliance with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, and industrialisation of the solid minerals sector.
Speaking in an interview with the press, the National President of NUMW, Comrade Musa Adamu Nasko, said the union was determined to secure mining licences for selected minerals in demand in the global market.
He explained that the initiative was aimed at attracting investors whose investments would contribute to job creation for young people, as well as increase revenue for the union and the Federal Government.
Nasko added that the union had sent a team of professionals and experienced representatives to the event, expressing confidence that their participation would yield positive results.
He maintained that Nigeria should be able to address its economic challenges more effectively by properly harnessing and managing its abundant mineral resources.
According to him, the effective development of the mining sector could help reduce the country’s dependence on borrowing and address unemployment, particularly among young people.
The NUMW president said the union was committed to supporting government efforts to tackle youth unemployment and contribute to national economic development.
He further stated that, with adequate support and the establishment of a strong foundation for the union across the states, NUMW could make meaningful contributions to the mining industry and leave a lasting legacy in Nigeria’s economic history.
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