Nigeria, Japan Deepen Ties in Solid Minerals Development

In the meantime, Nigeria and Japan are moving to strengthen cooperation in the solid minerals sector, with plans to align investment strategies aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s vast mineral resources.The initiative follows high-level discussions between Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, and officials of the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama.In a statement released by the Minister’s Special Adviser, Kehinde Bamigbetan, in Abuja, the meeting focused on attracting Japanese mining firms to participate in Nigeria’s mineral exploration and development projects.JOGMEC President, Michio Daito, acknowledged Nigeria’s significant mineral potential but emphasized the need for clear policies and improved infrastructure to reduce investment risks.He highlighted key factors such as reliable power supply, tax incentives, labour policies, free trade zones, and transport networks as essential to investor confidence.