The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake said the forthcoming Solid Minerals Excellence Awards (SOMEA) will help advance responsible, safe and sustainable mining practices in the country.
Alake disclosed this in a statement made available to SunOnline on Saturday.
The minister added that the initiative, which is endorsed by the ministry, aligns with national priorities to improve transparency, strengthen investor trust, and boost Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
Organizers said the inaugural SOMEA scheduled for May 14 at Abuja Continental Hotel will convene policymakers, investors, diplomats and industry leaders to examine opportunities in Nigeria’s next economic frontier.
At the event themed “Unlocking the Future,” titans, innovators, and risk-takers who are diversifying Nigeria’s economic DNA will be recognized, organizers added.
Project Coordinator, Femi Da-silva explained that the titans, innovators, and risk-takers diversifying Nigeria’s economy in the solid minerals sector have worked in the shadows for too long.
He said, “While the world has focused on oil, a different kind of wealth has been quietly building Nigeria’s roads, driving its tech, and fueling its skyscrapers. From the lithium powering the global EV revolution to the gold, limestone, and rare earth metals beneath our feet, the solid minerals sector is no longer Nigeria’s “hidden” wealth—it is our primary frontier.
“We are bringing the glamour, the prestige, and the national spotlight to the sector that will define the next century of Nigerian prosperity,” he said.
Describing SOMEA as the “Oscars” of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, Da-silva reiterated that it is a high-stakes recognition of the “hidden giants” driving the sector.
He stated, “Under the aggressive reforms led by the Honorable Minister, Dr. Henry Dele Alake, the sector is undergoing a massive ‘glow-up’ moving from artisanal roots to a global, transparent, and high-value powerhouse.
“This event celebrates the formalization, the safety standards, and the massive investments making Nigeria a ‘must-watch’ destination for global mining capital.”
Major categories for recognition include The Titan for leading mining company of the year in different categories, The Green Shield for excellence in sustainable and safe operations, and The Visionary for outstanding contribution to sector growth.
For participation or other enquiries, visit: www.thesomea.org.
“As Nigeria gradually pivots toward a post-oil reality, the Solid Minerals Excellence Awards stands as the definitive checkpoint for progress. The message is clear: Nigeria is open for business, and our wealth is solid,” the organizers said.
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