Nigeria is actively seeking to woo the Australian government and investors to tap into the country’s mining sector.
The Minister for Solid Minerals, Mr Dele Alake, is currently at Murdoch University in Australia for a two-week programme focused on enhancing mining sector expertise and strengthening bilateral ties between Nigeria and Australia.
The initiative, running until June 15, includes lectures on extractive metallurgy and sustainable geochemistry, alongside field visits and high-level discussions with industry experts.
The scheme, backed by the Commonwealth Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, aims to support Nigeria’s efforts to revitalize its solid minerals sector for economic diversification.
A key part of the visit will be an Industry Panel Discussion to develop actionable strategies for Nigeria’s mining sector and foster cooperation in resource development.
Murdoch University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Andrew Deeks, highlighted the programme’s alignment with the university’s commitment to ethical and sustainable engagement, as well as Australia’s broader foreign policy goals.
The visit also further solidifies Murdoch University’s ongoing relationship with Africa.
This is not the first time that the country has been targeting Australia. In April 2024, The minister spoke with potential investors while virtually addressing the Nigeria-Australia Investment Roundtable
Mr Alake assured the Australian investors that plans for the establishment of the private sector led Nigerian Solid Minerals Corporation has reached advanced stages.
He stressed that the corporation was poised for Joint Ventures with investors on critical minerals like lithium, gold, baryte lead, and iron-ore amongst others.
“Both the legislative and corporate processes for the establishment of the corporation have reached appreciable stages. I hope to invite you to the formal unveiling of Nigeria’s intervention in the international mining business, very soon”, he added.