Nigeria will turn national attention to its solid minerals industry as the Solid Minerals Excellence Awards (SOMEA) 2026 takes centre stage on Thursday, 14 May, at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
The awards, according to a statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Lara Owoeye-Wise, signal a strategic shift away from oil reliance towards harnessing the country’s vast mineral wealth. Once seen as a marginal contributor, the sector is increasingly recognised as a key driver of industrialisation, infrastructure development, and technological advancement.
With resources such as lithium powering the global transition to electric vehicles, alongside gold, limestone, and rare earth elements, stakeholders say Nigeria is positioning itself as a major player in the global mining landscape.
Branded as the mining industry’s equivalent of the Oscars, SOMEA 2026 seeks to spotlight innovation, sustainability, and outstanding performance across the sector, with backing from the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, in a statement, praised the initiative for advancing “responsible, safe, and sustainable mining practices,” while supporting broader efforts to boost transparency, attract investors, and strengthen Nigeria’s global standing.
Project Coordinator, Femi Da-Silva, said the awards aim to recognise individuals and organisations that have long operated without adequate visibility.
“For years, those driving the foundation of modern development have gone largely unnoticed. This platform will elevate their contributions and place the sector firmly at the centre of Nigeria’s future prosperity,” he said.
Industry analysts note that the event comes amid ongoing reforms designed to formalise operations, improve safety standards, and create an investment-friendly environment within the sector.
With increasing investor confidence and policy direction, Nigeria is steadily emerging as a preferred destination for mining investments.
The awards will feature several categories, including Leading Mining Company of the Year, Excellence in Sustainable and Safe Operations, and Outstanding Contribution to Sector Growth.
Centred on the theme “Unlocking the Future”, the event will begin at 5:00 pm and is expected to attract policymakers, international investors, members of the diplomatic community, and key industry stakeholders.
Observers say the awards will serve as a benchmark for measuring progress in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector as the country intensifies efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil.
