Dr. Dele Alake, the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, pledged Thursday to make sure women participate in the sector’s continuous transformation as leaders and important decision-makers rather than just sitting in the back seats.
L-R is the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development Dr. Mary Ogbe presenting gift to the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima during the first international women Conference held in Abuja Intercontinental Hotel on the 20th February, 2025
He emphasized the importance of mining as a catalyst for economic expansion and stated that women’s involvement in the industry is not only a question of justice but also essential to sustainable development.
With the theme “Empowering Women In The Mining Sector: Promoting Gender Equality, Economic Empowerment And Investment Opportunities,” the Minister addressed the inaugural International Mining Women Conference in Abuja.
According to the Minister, who was represented by Dr. Mary Ogbe, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, women have the capacity to propel economic growth on a national and international scale if given the proper opportunities.
He asserts that the development of an environment that is supportive of female professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs in the mining and metals sectors is essential.
The Minister pointed out that women will contribute distinct viewpoints, abilities, and leadership philosophies that will improve mining industry productivity as well as social and environmental sustainability.
He noted that the conference’s theme directly addresses the pressing need to close the gender gap in the solid mineral industry, noting that systemic obstacles have long prevented women from fully participating in mining.
According to the Minister, these restrictions included social barriers, policy restrictions, and lack of funding.
The Minister stated, “We will take a bold step to reshape the narrative and ensure that women are not just part of the mining sector but also important decision makers and leaders in this transformation.”
He praised the conference organizers for offering “a vital platform that highlights these accomplishments, addresses the obstacles women encounter, and cultivates collaboration that will further support and amplify women’s participation in mining.”
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, encouraged women to benefit from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by cooperating, encouraging one another, and encouraging more women to pursue the mining sector as a means of improving their lives.
She pointed out that the mining industry gives women a chance to thrive in a field that has historically been dominated by men.
Women in the nation were also urged to unite and take advantage of the implementation roadmap and future opportunities by the First Lady, who was represented by the vice president’s wife, Hajiya Nana Shettima.
“To persevere in a male-dominated field requires courage, patience, and boldness,” she said.
“Buying and mining are not an exception to the rule that women belong in all industries. She went on, “Keep going deep, break down barriers, and let your strengths shape the future.”
The conference, according to the First Lady, is an endeavor to process diversity, empower women, and improve the sector’s overall sustainability, productivity, and innovation.
“This represents a major advancement in promoting gender parity in the mining industry,” she stated.
Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, the Minister of Women Affairs, expressed her deep concern about the disparities in the mining industry.
Artisanal and small-scale mining employs the majority of the 6.8% of women in the mining industry, she said.
According to her, this demonstrated industry marginalization in terms of ownership, funding, and leadership.
She said, “We can no longer afford this economic inefficiency.”
She pointed out that the solid mineral industry is estimated to contribute 7% of Nigeria’s GDP and has the potential to spur significant industrialization and job creation, but that if women are still underrepresented, the industry will not be able to reach its full potential.
“This sector’s women are already exhibiting resilience, and intentional policies are needed to support this,” she said.
Hon. Jonatha Gazza Gbefwi, the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals, stated that encouraging artisanal mining and involving women in mining methods is consistent with best practices worldwide.
“Studies have shown that companies with a diverse workforce report higher innovation, as women bring unique perspectives to problem solving and operational efficiency,” stated Miss Nesir L. Mola, the United Nations’ Deputy Representative for Women in Nigeria.
According to her, gender responsive mining is a strategy to draw in more investors.
Ngozichi Okorie, the conference organizer, stated in her presentation that women must be better coordinated to avoid being isolated or divided.
She claims that the conference intends to alter that by cooperating
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