Nigeria Pushes Mineral Corridors to Drive Africa’s Energy Transition
Oluwafunbi Bello 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria advocates the creation of regional mineral corridors to unlock Africa’s vast resources and accelerate industrialisation, as global demand for critical minerals surges.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake makes the call at the Powering Africa Summit, urging stronger Africa-West partnerships.
“The development of strategic corridors will drive industrial growth and energy access,” Alake says.
He identifies a Lagos-Abidjan corridor and the Walvis Bay route as key frameworks capable of boosting infrastructure, trade, and cross-border manufacturing.
The minister notes ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s mining sector, including digitised licensing and improved investor protections, which have attracted over $2.6 billion in foreign investment.
Despite progress, he acknowledges security challenges, adding that over 350 illegal miners have been arrested under a new enforcement initiative.
Analysts say the proposal could reposition Africa as a central player in the global energy transition.
About the Author
Korede Abdullah 
Koko Maxwella 