Shettima urges Africa to process more minerals at home

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged African countries to capture more value from their mineral resources instead of exporting them largely without processing, industrialisation and manufacturing. Speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu at the Third Africa Minerals Strategy Group High-Level Roundtable in New York, Shettima said mineral-rich communities should not remain poor. He called for greater continental coordination rather than competition based on lower royalties, weaker local-content rules and broad concessions.

Shettima advocated integrated markets, regional processing hubs and cross-border mineral corridors. He also cited Nigeria’s mining reforms, including efforts to promote local value addition, improve geological information, formalise artisanal mining and combat illegal operations. Lithium-processing investments in Nasarawa State were presented as an example of domestic beneficiation opportunities.

He backed the AMSG’s Mutual Assured Development Framework, which calls for predictable policies and credible institutions from governments, alongside responsible capital, technology transfer, local value and long-term commitment from investors. He also said a continental integration and economic assurance declaration should be implemented through timelines, financing and accountability. Solid Minerals Development Minister Dele Alake proposed an African Artisanal Mining Formalisation and Safety Facility.

He said it could support licensing, cooperatives, geological assistance, safer equipment, occupational training, environmental rehabilitation and emergency readiness. The meeting also featured the signing of the declaration on cooperation around critical minerals, including value addition and policy coordination.